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In a landmark commitment to continental agricultural progress, leading African institutions have signed the African Agricultural Research Innovation and Education Institutions (AARIEI) Partnership Engagement Framework (APEF). This instrument formalises and deepens collaboration between FARA, AFAAS, RUFORUM, CORAF, CCARDESA and ASARECA in partnership with One CGIAR, and sets the stage for a unified approach to scaling agricultural innovations, transforming food systems, and empowering rural communities, particularly women and youth.
This milestone arrives at a crucial moment when African governments and stakeholders are preparing to implement the Kampala Declaration on Agricultural Research and Innovation, a declaration designed to reposition science, research, and education as central pillars for transforming agricultural and food systems across the continent.
Why the AARIEI Instrument Matters
The AARIEI instrument is not simply another framework; it is a dynamic response to Africa’s ongoing fragmentation in agricultural research, advisory services, and capacity building. By recognising their overlapping mandates and strategic orientations, the institutions have chosen to institutionalise a partnership that leverages their individual strengths and maximises collective impact.
Key features of the signed AARIEI instrument include:
- A Unified Partnership Vision: “Africa in which all people have food and nutrition security and are prosperous.”
- Shared Mission: Accelerating the application of science to agriculture to ensure sustainable and decent livelihoods for Africa’s smallholder farmers, women, and youth.
- Joint Institutional Systems: Including an AARIEI Board Partnership Forum, an Advisory Committee, a Technical Committee, and a Secretariat hosted by FARA.
- Shared Platforms and Marketplaces: To promote the exchange of knowledge, enhance capacity development, and support the co-creation and dissemination of innovations and technologies.
- Collaborative Resource Mobilization: With a joint funding approach to attract investment from governments, donors, and the private sector.
A Strategic Step Toward the Kampala Declaration
The Kampala Declaration, adopted in 2023, calls for enhanced coordination and investment in agricultural research and innovation to achieve Africa’s food security and development objectives. The AARIEI instrument supports this by offering a concrete mechanism for collaborative action, integrated planning, and strengthened partnerships.
Through the APEF, Africa’s key institutions are not only speaking with one voice but are also pooling technical expertise, networks, and resources. This is expected to accelerate the implementation of transformative initiatives such as:
- The Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A)
- Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT)
- The Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP)
- And various capacity development platforms supported by RUFORUM and AFAAS
Strengthening the African Knowledge Ecosystem
Each partner in the AARIEI has assumed a leadership role within the framework:
- FARA leads continental observatory systems and science-policy interfaces.
- AFAAS fosters the scaling of innovations and bolsters the advisory services ecosystem.
- RUFORUM spearheads capacity building and human capital development.
- CORAF, CCARDESA, and ASARECA lead regional research coordination for West, Central, South, and East and facilitate the uptake of innovations.
Alongside One CGIAR, they form a formidable alliance that bridges research, education, and extension in unprecedented ways.
A Call to Action for Stakeholders
As Africa’s food security challenges become increasingly complex due to climate change, youth unemployment, and evolving global markets, the AARIEI partnership represents a beacon of hope. Its success now depends on ongoing commitment, inclusive engagement, and strong support from governments, development partners, and the private sector.
We urge all stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, donors, farmer organisations, and innovators, to align with the AARIEI agenda and support the institutional, financial, and policy mechanisms necessary to put this framework into operation.
Key References
Explore the Full AARIEI Instrument by staying in touch with the AR4D Community
Learn More About the Kampala Declaration
Stay Updated on the Partnership:
Source: FARA
