A seminar is underway, bringing together leading researchers and policymakers to address the challenges facing agricultural systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The region is at a critical juncture, with climate change exacerbating issues like soil degradation, low crop yields, and limited institutional support.
The seminar highlights four major research projects – COINS, DecLaRe, Minodu, and InfoRange – as well as the INTERFACES initiative, which fosters collaboration between institutions in Germany and several African countries.
It offers a platform to showcase research outcomes and foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders from scientists to traditional authorities, from youth representatives to development partners.
The projects collaborate to address pressing challenges in agriculture and natural resource management through inclusive, evidence-based, and scalable solutions.
Key themes of the 2025 edition include gender equity and intersectionality in sustainable land use, digital transformation in agriculture, and governance in fragile and contested regions.
Participants are exploring how collaborative knowledge development and innovation can bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, building stronger connections between Africa and Europe.
To foster transdisciplinary exchange on sustainable land management, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa, over 120 leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are in Accra for the “Status Seminar 2025.”
The seminar is hosted by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn.
This high-level event blends cutting-edge science with community-based innovation.
In Ghana and across the region, land degradation impact is compounded by poverty and food insecurity, particularly in rural communities.
In response, the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space’s (BMFTR) strategic initiative on “Sustainable Land Management in Sub-Saharan Africa”, has committed €14.7 million between 2022 and 2027 to fund four major research projects and the complementary INTERFACES project.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed said, to engage in sustainable land management there will be the need for smallholder farmers to engage in smart and responsible agricultural practices as well as educating people to understand the dangers associated with degrading the soil.
“When the land is destroyed, it will affect food production, the economy will not grow, the needed jobs will not be created, the country will spend hard earned foreign currencies on the things we can produce locally,” he said.
Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Paul Bosu, indicated that his outfit has implemented several interventions addressing soil fertility enhancement, climate-smart agriculture, afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use practices.
He reiterated that their efforts have not only improved agricultural productivity and resilience but have also contributed to national and regional policy dialogues on environmental sustainability.
“We believe that this seminar provides a unique platform to strengthen partnerships, share evidence-based solutions, and align our efforts in tackling the urgent issues of land degradation and ecosystem restoration,” he indicated.
The Executive Director of Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Dr. Aggrey Agumya wants participants to reflect on the progress the project has made and the road ahead.
“Our work will only be meaningful if the innovations, knowledge, and experiences generated are transformed into real-world impact. That is why strategic partnerships matter,” he stated.
He believes it is only through genuine collaboration and shared commitment that we can build a resilient and food-secure Africa.
