The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), held in Kigali, Rwanda, provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and share insights on transforming Africa’s food systems. One of the key highlights was the side event organized by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) on September 2. The event was organized in collaboration the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), AGRA Nigeria, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II) project of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Dr Makoto Kitanaka, President, Sasakawa Africa Association delivered a welcome address.

Themed "Food Systems Transformation: Emerging Insights from Mega Initiatives," the event showcased ongoing interventions making a significant impact on Africa’s food system. The panel of discussants included leaders from various projects and organizations such as BASICS-II, the Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project (KSADP), TAAT ClearingHouse, AGRA Nigeria, and SAA supported by the Nippon Foundation grants. These speakers presented successful models and highlighted their adaptability to different regions across the continent.

In his welcome address, Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, President of SAA, emphasized the transformative potential of agricultural initiatives across Africa. Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, Nigeria, in his opening remarks, praised the KSADP for its role in addressing agricultural challenges within the state.

During the framing presentation, Dr. Godwin Atser, SAA Nigeria Country Director, emphasized the importance of agricultural transformation in ensuring food security and prosperity in Africa. He highlighted various SAA partnerships and interventions that have significantly contributed to increasing crop yields and improving livelihoods for African farmers.

Dr Danjuma Mahmoud, Commissioner for Agriculture & Natural Resources, Kano State opened the event.

The side event provided valuable insights for future investments in the agricultural sector and stimulated discussions on recalibrating initiatives for greater impact and sustainability.

Panel session: L-R: Ms Ethiopia Tadesse; Prof Lateef Sanni; Dr Rufus Idris; Dr Mel Olouch; Dr Solomon Gizaw; Mr Abdulrasheed Kofarmata

The Africa Food Systems Forum 2024, with its wide array of discussions, served as an essential platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The SAA side event added depth to the forum by shedding light on successful interventions and their potential to drive food systems transformation across Africa.

Kano and Jigawa State Governors Applaud SAA Interventions, Pledge Further Partnerships

At the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, Rwanda, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) was commended for its contributions to agricultural development in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwestern states of Kano and Jigawa. Governors Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano and Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa, in separate events, praised their partnerships with SAA and acknowledged the organization’s impactful interventions.

During the side event, Governor Yusuf highlighted the Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project (KSADP) as a key initiative transforming the food system in Kano. He underscored the importance of addressing challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity, expressing hope that the successful strategies implemented in Kano could be replicated in other regions.

Governor Namadi, speaking at a dinner event held at Jollof Naija restaurant in Kigali, described SAA as a valuable partner in agricultural transformation and acknowledged its longstanding support for agricultural development in Jigawa. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to renewing its partnership with SAA to further support farmers in the region.

The dinner was attended by several key officials, including the Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud; Managing Director of Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA), Dr. Farouk Kurawa; Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security to the Kano State Governor, Hajiya Aisha; KSADP State Project Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Garba; and other SAA management and staff.

SAA's Digital Exhibition a hub of engagement

SAA’s digital booth attracted visitors from diverse backgrounds in the agricultural development sector, including top executives, policymakers, and government officials seeking partnerships and collaborations.

SAA’s digital booth became a hub of engagement, underscoring the significance of the organization’s contributions to agricultural development and cementing its reputation as a key player in the sector. Notably, SAA officials, including President Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, were actively present at the booth, personally interacting with guests.

 Executive Governor of Jigawa State, H.E. Mallam Umar Namadi visited SAA’s digital booth.

The digital expo booth facilitated networking and knowledge-sharing, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore partenership opportunities and gain insights into SAA’s initiatives and impacts across Africa.

Overall, SAA’s participation in the digital expo not only showcased the organization’s impactful work but also sparked meaningful discussions and connections that could drive further progress in agricultural development on the continent.

Read Dr. Mel Oluoch's interview: "Reigniting Youth Interest in Agriculture for Africa’s Prosperity"

Download: Side Event Report for AFSF 2024