Crop scientists, plant breeders and plant pathologists at African universities and research institutes are intensifying efforts to accelerate Africa’s agricultural transformation through science, technology and innovation. More than 400 scientists and innovators, farmers, entrepreneurs and agribusinesses, educators and policymakers involved in agricultural-related value chains from all over Africa gathered in Maputo, Mozambique, for the recent 13th African Crop Science Society Conference.
The conference, organised by the Mozambique Institute of Agricultural Research (IIAM) in collaboration with the African Crop Science Society (ACSS) and the University of Eduardo Mondlane, provided a platform for sharing and discussing research results that could enhance agricultural development in Africa.
Mozambique’s Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Professor Daniel Nivagara, said the country was privileged to host a significant meeting to discuss how crop science could contribute to resolving Africa’s daunting challenge of food and nutrition security.
Discussions at the forum manifested the power of collaboration in driving the scientific innovations crucial for agricultural development in Africa, with insights on doctoral programmes in agri-food systems and climate change at African universities.
Young people important pillars
“The conference discussions defined how crop scientists continue to play a major role in agricultural production systems for sustainable, viable and efficient farming, from planting to processing, marketing and consumption, said Professor Ernesto Uetimane Junior, dean of the faculty of agronomy and forestry engineering at the Eduardo Mondlane University.
Long-serving African Crop Science Society President, Professor Luisa Santos, echoed this view: “The discussions centred on the conference’s two other themes – the resilience for reduced impact of climate change, natural hazards and climate-related disasters, and inclusion for market involvement of women and youth in agriculture.”
Participants recognised academia, where young, vibrant minds are exploring the vast world of research and witnessing the transformative power of education and innovation in dealing with real-world challenges. Experts have identified young people as important pillars of Africa’s urgently needed transformation of agriculture and food systems.
With its young and dynamic population, Mozambique has great potential, especially in agriculture. This demographic advantage presents a unique opportunity to harness the energy and creativity of African youth in driving agricultural innovation.
Science, technology key to progress
The ACSS Congress, established in 1993 by visionary African scientists, has played a pivotal role in advancing crop production and improving food security across the continent. The conference resolved to build on this legacy and to continue championing innovations that will shape the future of agriculture in Africa.
Crop scientists and plant pathologists acknowledged that science and technology are the keys to progress and development on the African continent.
Remarkable advancements in information and communication technologies, or ICT, the built environment, aviation, health, and the environment sectors have transformed African societies. However, the crop scientists noted that the agricultural sector in Africa has not yet fully embraced technological innovations.
Africa is still a contentious site for debates over the potential of biotechnologies, including tissue culture, genetically modified (GM) crops and gene-edited crops to transform agricultural production for smallholder, subsistence farmers.
Biotechnology to be promoted
African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Executive Director Dr Canisius Kanangire, who delivered the keynote address at the crop scientists’ conference, told University World News: “While GMOs have been successfully adopted in countries like South Africa for over 27 years, other nations remain hesitant. This slow uptake has cost Africa dearly. We must recognise and promote the role of agricultural biotechnology as a solution to achieve agricultural and food system transformation.”
Mozambique has conducted extensive research on a GM maize variety designed to combat pests and withstand drought conditions. The AATF has partnered with IIAM to tackle the challenges facing maize production to help reduce poverty and ensure food security.
Participants at the Maputo conference also shared insights on plant pathology and plant breeding, whose objectives are to improve traits like yield, quality, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance. Plant breeding has significantly increased global food production through the development of superior crop varieties.
Agronomic recommendations coming
Dr Moses Osiru, a council member of the ACSS, holds a PhD in agriculture (plant pathology). He has more than 20 years of experience in the agriculture and higher education sectors, including close to 10 years within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, or CGIAR.
Osiru was the first manager of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund, the flagship programme of the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology based at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, or icipe, in Nairobi, Kenya, whose aim is to double the number of African PhDs.
The forum at Eduardo Mondlane University resolved to work in tandem with the resolutions of the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit in May 2024 in Nairobi organised by the African Union. The summit resolved to make targeted agronomic recommendations for specific crops, soils and climatic conditions available to at least 70% of smallholder farmers by 2034 to ensure greater efficiency and sustainable use of fertilisers.
Kanangire urged all stakeholders to ensure that the innovations ready for deployment are rapidly made available to those needing them most. “We must fast-track emerging technologies to African farmers, who are on the front lines of the battle against climate change and food insecurity. By building coalitions, fostering political support, and ensuring access to the right mix of farming innovations, we can empower African farmers to achieve great things and continue on the path of progress,” he said.
This is inspiring progress! To truly transform agriculture, we need to pair scientific research with policies that promote access to improved seeds, irrigation, and market infrastructure. Science alone won’t drive the change we need.
It’s time to prioritize Africa’s unique agricultural needs. If we can get crop research tailored to our soils and climates, we’ll see a real transformation in our agricultural output.
I hope this research leads to practical outcomes that farmers can adopt. Too often, we hear about scientific advancements, but they never trickle down to the grassroots level.
This is encouraging news, but let’s ensure these scientific breakthroughs are environmentally sustainable. We don’t want to fix one problem while creating another with excessive fertilizer or pesticide use.
Will this research address pest-resistant crops? Farmers in my area have been struggling with armyworms, and it’s devastating to watch entire fields destroyed overnight.
Fantastic development! The focus on crop research is long overdue. Governments should invest in educating farmers on how to implement these new techniques effectively.
I’m glad to see efforts toward agri-transformation, but I hope smallholder farmers are included in these advancements. Without access to affordable technology, rural communities might not benefit from these innovations.
This is a step in the right direction! With climate change affecting yields, intensified crop research could provide the much-needed solutions for food security in Africa. Let’s hope this research focuses on drought-resistant crops and indigenous varieties
Science is good for Africa. We need more