Closing the science-policy-practice gaps for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Food Systems
The state of Africa’s agriculture, and its vulnerability to climate risk are an ongoing matter of importance, not only for the continent but the global world. Climate change related hazards such as drought, shifting patterns of pests and diseases incidence impact wellbeing and stability on the continent and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals. Agricultural Research and Innovation plays a pivotal role in developing climate resilient food systems, and enabling Africa to reduce the agricultural productivity gap and deliver on the SDGs. Despite the pivotal role of agricultural science, investments in research have declined over time, and in Africa, most of the countries are not able to meet their commitments for investment in agriculture. Amidst many international competing priorities such as geo-political peace and security tensions, migration, communicable diseases and technological hazards, there is need to amplify voices for agricultural research investments across the globe.
The session will highlight some of the key scientific innovations emerging from Agricultural Research & Innovation, and share best practices in closing the science-policy and science-practice gaps to deal with the challenges of climate change and food systems. Key priorities to accelerate the science-led climate resilient food systems in Africa will be identified and speakers will highlight the required actions/interventions from a UN and global level to prioritize agricultural research in terms of agenda setting and related investments.
Programme (2h5min)
- Opening remarks (5mins)- Petronella Chaminuka
- Presentation (15 mins)- Dr Litha Magingxa- Agricultural research technologies for climate resilience
- Presentation (10mins) –Dr Rose Omari (Coordinating the development and adoption of the national policy for aflatoxin control in food and feed in Ghana.)
- Presentation (10mins)- Triona Mccormack (Ireland’s experience in Sustainable Food and Agriculture)
- Q&A discussion- 10 mins
- Panel discussion (60 mins)- How do we close the science-policy and science-practice gaps and prioritisation of agricultural research in the post SDG agenda for climate resilience and sustainable food systems?
- Influencing policy through evidence (Triona Mccormack (PhD), University College Dublin)
- Gendered perspectives- Mariamme Maiga (PhD)- Regional Gender and Social Development Adviser at West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF)-
- Meeting bread and butter needs through science- Michael Bairu (PhD), Agricultural Research Council)
- Prof A Mushunje- Developing capacities for science- University of Fort Hare, South Africa
- Genna Tesdall- Young Professionals for Agricultural Development
- Summary and closing remarks (10mins)- Petronella Chaminuka