The CGIAR Science Week, held from April 7–12, 2025, at the United Nations (UN) Office in Nairobi, Kenya, marked a significant moment for global agricultural science and innovation. Under the theme “Transforming Food, Land, and Water Systems in a Climate Crisis”, the event brought together over 10,000 delegates, including researchers, policymakers, and development partners from around the world. The gathering aimed to showcase CGIAR’s research portfolio, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and align global efforts towards building resilient and equitable food systems.  

A Platform for Strategic Engagement

The conference was officially opened by H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, who underscored the critical role of science and technology in addressing challenges such as climate change, agricultural diseases, and food insecurity. The Honorable Zainab Hawa, Director General of the UN Office in Nairobi, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to advance agricultural science and development.

In her keynote address, Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, unveiled the organization’s 2025-2030 research portfolio. She stressed the need for strategic investment in agricultural research & development, and greater inclusion of youth and women in building resilient food systems. Dr. Elouafi also highlighted the critical role of strong partnerships in meeting global challenges and advancing equity through innovation.  

Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, giving her opening remarks at the CGIAR Science week in Nairobi, Kenya.

SAA’s Active Participation

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) was well represented by Dr Mel Oluoch, Dr Shotaro Kikuchi, Dr Stella Kabiri, Ms Edith Kouko, Dr Fentahun Mengistu, Dr Hamado Tapsoba, Dr Godwin Aster, and Dr Robert Anyang. The team actively engaged in sessions addressing climate action in agriculture, innovation in land and water systems, digital transformation, and the role of agroecology and regenerative agriculture across multifunctional landscapes.

Engaging Strategic Partners

On the sidelines of the conference, SAA conducted bilateral discussions with Key development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), HarvestPlus, Global Climate Action (GCA), Africa Agricultural & Forestry Research Centre (AFREC), Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Action AID (PESAID), and the E-lite Ability Foundation Africa (ELAFA). These discussions focused on aligning efforts to scale climate-resilient agricultural practices, enhance access to innovations for smallholder farmers, and improve food systems across the continent. Through these conversations, SAA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative, farmer-centered solutions and strategic collaboration for sustainable agricultural development in Africa.

SAA team from left, Dr Robert Ayang, Dr Godwin Aster, Dr Shotaro Kikuchi and Dr Fentahun Mengistu at the CGIAR Science week.

C4SEAS Coalition meeting convened at CGIAR Science Week

On the sideline of CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), in partnership with the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), convened a landmark meeting of the Coalition for Strengthening Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Africa (C4SEAS).

This high-level meeting brought together top agricultural leaders and thinkers to chart a transformative path for soil-centered extension systems in Africa. Positioned as the “last-mile coalition” for the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP), of the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA), launched by the African Union Commission, the meeting emphasized human capital development and digital innovation.

With strong contributions from FARA, AGRA, TAAT, AFAP, farmer organizations, and academic institutions, the meeting called for urgent action, farmer-driven models, and systems-based approaches to restoring soil health. SAA was widely recognized for its strategic coordination, technical leadership, and unwavering dedication to building farmer-responsive extension models capable of delivering tangible, on the ground impact. This meeting marked a fundamental moment in aligning Africa’s agricultural extension future with science, policy, and farmer realities.

C4SEAS coalition members at meeting in Nairobi

Key Takeaways from Science Week

The CGIAR Science Week reinforced several key insights essential for the future of agricultural transformations:

• Accelerating Innovation Delivery: Emphasis on translating research outputs into scalable, fast-impact solutions that directly benefit the farmer.
• Climate Resilience: Greater urgency for widespread adoption of climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices to enhance the resilience of  smallholder farming systems.
• Partnerships for Impact: Calls to deepen collaboration across research, policy, development, and private sectors to drive systems-level change.
• Investment in Science and Data: Renewed commitment to investing in agricultural research and leveraging real-time data to inform policy and programming.

SAA’s Commitment to Transformative Collaboration

The CGIAR Science week 2025 served as a timely reminder that Science must remain at the heart of transforming food, land, and water systems to achieve climate resilience, equity, and food security through inclusive partnerships, local innovation, and sustained investment. SAA will continue to leverage and build strategic alliances, champion inclusive innovations that support smallholder farmers as it contributes to the transformation of Africa’s food systems in alignment with regional and global goals.

Stay tuned for more updates on SAA’s partnerships and collaborative initiatives advancing sustainable agriculture in Africa.

Summary of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (2024-2034) - CGIAR
Soil Initiative for Africa: Framework Document - African Union