ReSAKSS

@ReSAKSS @AKADEMIYA2063 serves as a knowledge hub driving evidence-based interventions to advance @AUC_CAADP targets & agrifood system transformation in Africa.

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Biotechnology presents a transformative opportunity for Africa to address pressing challenges in food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural productivity.

In South Africa, the introduction of GM maize, soybean, and cotton helped raise farmers’ incomes by more than US$1 billion, increasing annual crop yields by 32%. Nigeria’s farmers now grow GM maize and cowpea varieties that have been improved to resist infestation and destruction by insect pests, therefore requiring fewer or even no pesticide applications.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/iGhMwfJo0J

@_AfricanUnion #KampalaDeclaration

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

The adoption of the Kampala Declaration and the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) marks a renewed and ambitious commitment to accelerate productivity growth, strengthen resilience, expand value addition and trade, and harness science, technology, and innovation as drivers of transformation.

The Annual Trends & Outlook Report advances a systems perspective on innovation, emphasizing that the true technology frontier lies at the intersection of digital, biological, engineering, and ecological innovations with institutional reform, political learning, and accountable governance.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/UNlGAsaBnM

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Africa’s agrifood transformation will require more than a single technological breakthrough.

The 17th ATOR shows that ending hunger and reducing poverty depends on coordinated technical, institutional, and socio-political innovations, supported by effective governance and stronger coordination.

The opportunities span AI, geospatial intelligence, improved seeds, precision irrigation, biotechnology, and digital advisory services. The priority now is to create the enabling environments, incentives, and partnerships needed to scale these innovations and adapt them to African realities.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/DrBdV57UCr

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Advancing Mechanization in African Agrifood Systems

Africa still faces a significant mechanization gap. More than 60% of agricultural land is cultivated manually, while tractors and other motorized equipment provide only about 10% of agricultural power. For smallholder farmers, fragmented landholdings, limited finance, weak rural infrastructure, underdeveloped machinery service markets, and skills gaps continue to limit access.

Emerging models are creating new opportunities, including tractor-hire schemes, local innovation around two-wheel tractors and small-scale machinery, and public-private partnerships tailored to different agroecological zones.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/3cSCeuAtht

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

How can AI help Africa address food insecurity while building more productive, resilient, and financeable agrifood systems?

In this article, @AKADEMIYA2063’s @dr_racinely, examines how AI, geospatial technologies, and digital tools can help transform Africa’s agrifood systems.

Drawing on the latest Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR), “Moving the Technology Frontiers in African Agrifood Systems,” the article highlights practical applications ranging from drought forecasting and pest detection to digital advisory services, agricultural finance, and climate-risk management.

Read more @panagrimedia: https://t.co/ltpMzIzJV3

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Insect Farming Innovations: A Pathway to Self-Reliance in Agrifood Systems in Africa!

Insect farming emerged as a transformative and sustainable approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of food insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic vulnerability in Africa’s agrifood systems.

By converting organic waste into high-value products (protein-rich feed, frass fertilizers, and bioactive compounds), insect farming offers an efficient circular economy solution that bridges nutrition, livelihoods, and ecological resilience.

Almost all of an insect’s body is edible, a trait that maximizes nutrient output while minimizing waste. This trait distinguishes insect farming from conventional livestock systems and underscores its potential to combat malnutrition and improve food security.

ATOR (Chap. 10): https://t.co/tpt0Zh0c8M

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Brachiaria Grass Seed Innovation in Mali

Did you know Brachiaria (palisade grass) cultivation has shown significant benefits for livestock productivity?

The main results are related to a 15% to 40% increase in milk yield and weight gains of up to 50%. Its higher biomass yield and nutritional quality compared to traditional grasses, like Napier and Rhodes, make it a preferred forage for farmers, extension workers, and researchers.

#ATOR insights: https://t.co/i4q1O5eopW

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Integrating Emerging Irrigation Technologies to Advance Agricultural Production and Resilience
in Africa

Recent technological advancements, such as sensor-based irrigation, solar-powered pumps, and digital water monitoring systems, are reshaping and enabling improvements in yield and achieving environmental sustainability. These emerging technologies include digital agriculture, which utilizes next-generation technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and remote sensing.

Often associated with concepts such as “Agriculture 4.0” and “Smart Agriculture Transformation” (SAT), these technologies enable real-time optimization of water resources, reduce energy expenditure, and connect farmers to weather data, market prices, and advisory services via mobile platforms.

#ATOR (Chap. 8): https://t.co/gmhn5aZ5X4

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Empowering Women and Youth in Africa’s Agrifood Sector!

Women and youth are increasingly becoming key drivers of transformation in Africa’s agrifood systems. Across countries like #Zimbabwe, #Ethiopia, #Kenya, and #Tanzania, women account for 43–67% of agrifood processing activities, highlighting their critical role in adding value to local agricultural products.

Access to finance, training, networking opportunities, and market information enables these groups to scale their businesses and create sustainable livelihoods. For example, in Tanzania, local government authorities actively encourage women and youth to form groups to access business loans and establish agrifood processing initiatives. In 2023 alone, the Tanzanian local government authorities (LGAs) allocated 44 billion shillings (about US$18 million) to over 23,000 women and youth, providing a strong boost to entrepreneurship and economic participation.

Check out @ReSAKSS #ATOR, Chapter 7: Processing and Value Addition Technologies in African Agrifood Systems: https://t.co/lOzYgpmQId

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Strengthening Africa’s seed systems is key to transforming the continent’s agrifood systems

The Africa Seed Summit (October 5–7) will bring together African leaders and to mobilize political commitment, investment, and partnerships for stronger seed systems, while launching the Seed Sector Performance Index (SSPI) 2025 Status Report.

The Summit’s priorities closely align with Chapter 13 of the latest Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR), which examines seed policies and regulatory frameworks across Sub-Saharan Africa. The chapter highlights the importance of inclusive seed systems, stronger public–private–producer partnerships, improved access to quality seeds, and harmonized policies and regulations to support seed production, marketing, and regional trade.

The chapter also points to emerging opportunities, including digital platforms and blockchain technologies for seed traceability, as well as hybrid approaches that can help reach farmers and communities underserved by commercial seed markets.

ATOR (Chap. 13): https://t.co/FAzbzxDCbc

@_AfricanUnion

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

#AATM

“Africa’s food security challenges are increasingly intertwined with the structure of its trade, as demonstrated in this year’s AATM,” said @DrOBadiane, Executive Chairperson at @AKADEMIYA2063.

“Growing import dependence, concentrated suppliers, and exposure to global shocks mean that the continent must strengthen both domestic production and regional markets.

Learn more: https://t.co/M6nWO04Lo1

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

#AATM

Chapter #4 of the 8th Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) – The Role of Fertilizer Trade in Enhancing Food Security in Africa – analyzes the role of fertilizer trade in enhancing food security in Africa. This timely, specialized topic is embedded in the broader question of trade and food security, which constitutes the common thread of this report. The complex links between fertilizer trade and food security are examined in the context of increased global crises, shifting regional dynamics, and climate change.

The latter is of utmost importance as Africa is highly subject to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, plant diseases, and rainfall variability, all of which seriously threaten agricultural production, requiring more and better use of fertilizers.

AATM insights: https://t.co/ROmOcb5uaT

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

#ATOR

Women make up around 50% of Africa’s agricultural labor force, yet often face barriers to finance, land, skills and access to machinery. At the same time, Africa’s young population presents an opportunity to make agriculture more attractive through new roles as machinery operators, service providers and entrepreneurs.

Inclusive mechanization requires practical action:

• Expand access to affordable and appropriate machinery
• Support women-led mechanization services and cooperative models
• Provide targeted technical and vocational training
• Improve access to finance and equipment ownership
• Create pathways for youth as operators, technicians and entrepreneurs
• Invest in rural infrastructure that enables mechanization services

ATOR insights: https://t.co/RZBQbMt78j

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

#ATOR

Key Lessons on What Works in Digital Agriculture in Africa

Digitalization can transform Africa's agrifood systems, but only if constraints are addressed through coordinated, equity-focused, and evidence-based interventions.

Key recommendations from the 17th ATOR:

-Advancing bundled and integrated solutions: Scale multi-service platforms combining market access, advisory services, finance, and e-learning. These offer higher impact, lower user-acquisition costs, and greater sustainability.

-Aligning digitalization with agroecological and SDG goals: Fund innovations that track sustainability, contribute to equity, and enable agroecological transitions. Evaluate impact beyond productivity—on nutrition, food security, welfare, and climate resilience.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/RZBQbMt78j

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Sept. 28–30 | @LesothoPR, in partnership with @ECA_OFFICIAL, @UNDPLesotho and the @UNLesotho, will host a workshop in Maseru to strengthen MSMEs’ capacity to leverage regional trade agreements and the @AfCFTA.

The 8th Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) focuses on the trade-food security nexus, examining the continent’s high dependency on world markets for key staples, as well as the potential of regional trade and the related bottlenecks.

Given the debate over trade integration in Africa, the report examines whether existing regional trade agreements support or hinder deeper continental integration and what can be expected from @AfCFTA.

AATM insights: https://t.co/gB3oqh9ipr

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

#ATOR

Policy recommendations for scaling-up aquaponic systems in Africa!

National policymakers should embrace aquaponics as part of their agricultural and food policies and programs, while prioritizing initiatives that bring these practices to particularly low-income and resource-poor smallholder farmers, with support from agricultural extension programs.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/i8fa7UQLmw

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

#ATOR

#DidYouKnow the latest ATOR presents a case study of a pilot aquaponic system in #Malawi that integrates fish farming with soil-less plant cultivation?

A key innovation is the integration of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, which provides a cost-effective and sustainable source of fish feed. The system produces 1,000 kg of lettuce and 3,000 kg of tilapia annually, generating a gross margin of US$5,728.

The analysis further shows that public credit guarantees for aquaponics are substantially more cost-effective than direct income transfers, requiring 7 to 14 times less public expenditure to achieve equivalent poverty reduction rates.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/RZBQbMt78j

[AKADEMIYA2063 @AKADEMIYA2063]

The @UN_PGA High-Level Event on Climate Action and the Just Transition (Sep 22–23) brings together government leaders and key stakeholders to assess progress on the global energy transition amid the accelerating climate crisis.

For Africa, a just energy transition must go beyond shifting from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy pathways. Our @ReSAKSS #ATOR2024 Report highlights the need for a transition that advances social justice, supports economic development and environmental sustainability, and strengthens Africa’s position in the international division of labor and its influence in global governance.

Just Energy Transition: Low-Carbon Pathways and Challenges for Africa👇https://t.co/WSGybQgt6I

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Digital Twins for African Agriculture

From Innovation to Impact: Digital Twins in Senegal's Groundnut Basin

The latest ATOR explores the economic potential of digital twins in European and African agriculture, with a detailed case study on groundnut production in Senegal. Digital twins combine AI-based weather forecasts and biophysical data with crop modeling to provide farmers with real-time management recommendations.

The Senegal case study shows that a digital twin for groundnuts could help farmers optimize sowing dates, irrigation, and fertilization. Early sowing can increase yields by 20 to 30%, while adjusting sowing dates to avoid late-season heat stress can prevent yield losses of 15 to 20 percent.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/RZBQbMt78j

[ReSAKSS @ReSAKSS]

Empowering Smallholder Producer Organizations

The 17th ATOR positions digitally enabled Smallholder Producer Organizations (SPOs) as pivotal intermediaries for emerging technologies. Traditional extension models are ill-suited for complex, knowledge-intensive innovations such as AI-based advisory, precision agriculture, or digital finance.

The report shows that SPOs can aggregate demand, reduce transaction costs, broker partnerships with digital service providers, and build trust for technology adoption. It links these roles to the Kampala Declaration and the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035), which recognize cooperatives and SPOs as core actors in inclusive, climate-resilient innovation systems.

ATOR insights: https://t.co/RZBQbMt78j