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Agrinatura Newsletter – March 2026
Agrinatura Newsletter 23/03/2026
Dear Agrinatura members and partners,
Welcome to this edition of our bi-monthly update.
In this issue, you will find the latest news on upcoming events, project highlights, as well as member and partner activities and opportunities across the Agrinatura network and beyond.
We warmly invite you to contribute to future editions by sharing news, updates, or opportunities with the Agrinatura community at: secretariat@agrinatura-eu.eu.
We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to continuing our collaboration across the network.
Best wishes.
Isolina Boto, Secretary-General
 
Agrinatura Activity Overview  
 

Agrinatura Conference 2026 – Call for abstracts

The General Assembly Conference of Agrinatura will take place on 26–27 May 2026 at the University of Reading under the theme “Anticipating Change and the Role of Research in Shaping Future Food Systems.”
The conference will start on 26 May in the afternoon and conclude on 27 May in the afternoon.
It will provide space for strategic reflection and interactive exchange among members and partners.
The programme will first identify key signals already reshaping global food systems and research agendas. It will then explore plausible futures and transformation pathways towards 2035–2050.
Parallel thematic groups will address topics such as multi-actor innovation, foresight, climate resilience, digital food systems, and research–policy interfaces.
Discussions will also consider changes in global trade and markets.
Equity, inclusion, and the valorisation of local knowledge will run as cross-cutting themes.
The final plenary will focus on strategic choices for research institutions, partnerships, and networks. Members and partners interested in contributing or participating are warmly invited to register to attend physically or remotely here.
Call for abstracts:

 See guidelines here.

  • Deadline for abstract submission: 5th April 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: 20th April 2026
  • Conference dates: 26–27 May 2026
StEPPFoS
Strengthening Evidence-Based Policy Practice for Sustainable Food Systems (StEPPFoS) invites organisations, researchers, innovators and development partners to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to host and lead virtual sessions at the 2026 Virtual Knowledge Forum on Sustainable Food Systems, taking place 21–23 May 2026. The forum provides a platform to showcase evidence, innovation and policy-relevant solutions shaping Africa’s food systems.
Deadline Extended: 31st March 2026
Kindly submit your Expression of Interest via email to snkanyani@fanrpan.org or through this link

SASI-SPI

Science – Policy interface for food systems transformation
The SASi-SPi initiative applies a methodological approach that combines proven tools and guidelines with participatory processes to facilitate the transformation towards more sustainable food systems in partner countries. In Colombia the method has been applied in four territories. More here.

News from our Members

University of Reading

In 2026, University of Reading hosted two major workshops for the IPCC in collaboration with the UK government and the Met Office. These events showcased our leadership in climate research and our commitment to collective action.
As part of the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle (AR7), the workshops brought together over 100 climate experts and policymakers. The aim was to enhance global understanding of the climate challenge and discuss effective responses to it. More here.

WUR 

 

How can you identify ethically sound coffee and chocolate? 
You can’t tell from your cup of coffee or hot chocolate where the beans came from. Where were the beans grown, and were they harvested, transported and processed with due respect for people and planet? In other words, how do you know which beans have the right certificates? ‘Consumers have no idea and suppliers often don’t know either,’ says Valerie Janssen, who works at Wageningen Social & Economic Research. ‘Some struggle with this ethical issue, while others simply choose the product with the lowest price and wilfully ignore the possibility of human rights abuses and environmental pollution.’ That has to change, thinks the European Parliament. read more here.
6th edition of the Global Food Security Conference
Next year, April 2027, WUR will organise the 6th edition of the Global Food Security Conference. For the full announcement and calls. Check the dedicated website here.
CIRAD 
 
WikTrop: the collaborative portal devoted to tropical and Mediterranean plants
The WikTrop portal serves to capitalise on, share and disseminate knowledge of the weeds, fodder plants and service plants found in tropical crop systems. It is a collaborative platform developed by CIRAD and its partners, and this year celebrates ten years of shared research, teaching and field activities on an international scale.
For ten years now, WikTrop has offered a collaborative space devoted to knowing and managing the plants found in various tropical and Mediterranean farming systems. The portal serves to capitalise on, share and disseminate scientific and empirical knowledge acquired both through research and field experience. WikTrop is coordinated by CIRAD, and was initially developed for Madagascar, the Comoros, Mauritius and Réunion, before being opened up to all tropical and Mediterranean zones. It is a compilation of data on weeds, service plants and fodder plants. WikTrop currently covers more than 1000 species that are abundantly documented and lavishly illustrated, notably with 3-D photos of inflorescences, fruits and seeds taken under a digital microscope by CIRAD’s ALF herbarium team, several thousand field observations and hundreds of scientific and technical documents.
More here.
SLU 

Bridging the canyon: Transforming research into social change 
In the world of research, the distance between a breakthrough finding and a tangible social change can often feel like a vast canyon. How do we ensure our science actually moves the needle on policy and practice?
A couple of weeks ago, we gathered for an insightful webinar to explore Theory of Change (ToC) as the essential bridge for designing research with impact. Led by Dr. Isabel Vogel, AgriFoSe2030 MEL adviser, the session provided a masterclass in mapping the pathways from raw knowledge to lasting societal transformation. This attracted participants from Gulu University, Kyambogo University, Makerere University and the AgriFoSe2030 team in Sweden. Read more here.
Poznań University of Life Sciences  

Regenerative agriculture in action – KIARA project meeting at PULS 
The Poznań University of Life Sciences (PULS) hosted an international KIARA project meeting on regenerative agriculture. KIARA stands for Knowledge and Innovation for Advisory Services in Regenerative Agriculture and aims to develop advisory systems supporting small- and medium-scale farmers in regenerative farming. The meeting brought together project partners from England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Ukraine to review the last year of the Horizon Europe-funded project and plan activities for the next stage. On the third day, participants visited PULS university farms in Brody and Przybroda, showcasing sustainable farming practices and crop rotation. The project focuses on strengthening agricultural advisers’ skills, which are crucial for helping farmers transition to regenerative agriculture. In countries like Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine, access to advisory services is limited, and KIARA addresses this gap through training programmes. The project combines online learning, field schools, and in-person activities to build both subject expertise and extension skills. Agricultural advisors receive training in diverse areas of regenerative agriculture as well as communication and extension methods. KIARA is led by the University of Reading (UK) with partners across Europe. At PULS, the project leaders are Dr. Stanisław Świtek and Dr. Tomasz Wojciechowski. Read more here.
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

A university’s mission is to create a sense of safety and certainty in turbulent waters,” says incoming CZU rector Michal Lošťák 
The newly elected rector of CZU, Michal Lošťák, begins his fouryear term with a vision to build excellence and strengthen interpersonal relationships at the university. He was chosen by the Academic Senate and confirmed by the Czech government and President. Lošťák emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of safety and certainty for students and staff amid turbulent times, believing a stable environment enables better performance. He highlights CZU’s evolution from a university of agriculture into a respected, full university with strong intellectual capital and international reputation. His priorities include fostering good interpersonal relations, rewarding excellence, and enhancing research impact on society. Lošťák supports the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and anticipates ethical reflection on its use. He aims to intensify technology transfer and showcase university research to counter skepticism toward science. Internationalization and collaboration within alliances such as the Euroleague for Life Sciences are central to future strategy. He also stresses the university’s role as an anchor in society and a guarantor of scientific authority. Finally, he envisions CZU as a “rich” university in ideas, people, and environment after his term. More here.
KIT

Learning from the Ground: Closing the Gap Between Community-Centred Land Governance and Adaptive Programming 
The Role of Participatory Knowledge Management in Learning from Implementation. Land governance interventions are increasingly community-centred, recognising that secure land rights depend not only on technical solutions but also on legitimacy, trust, and local ownership. Yet the knowledge generated during implementation often remains scattered or disconnected from policy and decision-making spaces. Participatory knowledge management helps close this gap. By deliberately capturing and reflecting on learning during implementation, programmes can ensure that community experiences, adaptations, and lessons about what works—or does not—inform future programming and scaling efforts.
Within the LAND-at-scale (LAS) program, funded by the Government of the Netherlands, knowledge management is therefore positioned as an integral part of implementation rather than an activity at the end of a project. Without deliberate reflection, valuable insights can easily be lost, limiting the contribution of project experience to improved programming and policy dialogue. More here.
ECDPM
From Brazil to the world: Open digital infrastructure for climate cooperation

Nearly a decade after the Paris Agreement, traditional multilateralism is struggling to deliver climate action at the scale and urgency required to meet the escalating global emergency. In a context of geopolitical fragmentation and growing concentration of technological power, this paper argues that digital cooperation for climate can lead to new international alliances by anchoring cooperation in shared, collectively governed digital infrastructure.

 Drawing on Brazil’s domestic experience and international initiatives, it examines how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Digital Public Goods (DPGs) can translate climate commitments into verifiable outcomes. It maps an existing global ‘shelf’ of climate-relevant digital systems and assesses the conditions under which they could be coordinated into a Climate DPI and Climate Stack under shared governance. In doing so, it highlights risks related to political volatility, leadership dependence and data fragility, and underscores the need for resilient institutional design. Finally, it situates an EU–Brazil partnership as a pragmatic coalition starter, demonstrating how climate-focused digital cooperation can diversify partnerships, align regulatory power and financing with implementation, and strengthen collective resilience in a changing global order. More here.

More here.

IRD

Rebreather diving: autonomy and silence at the service of underwater research 
Rebreather diving enhances underwater scientific research by offering greater autonomy and quiet compared with traditional scuba diving. Rebreathers recycle exhaled air by removing CO₂ and adding oxygen, drastically reducing gas consumption and extending dive durations up to six hours. They also reduce nitrogen uptake, shortening decompression stops and allowing longer bottom times. This technology lets researchers access mesophotic reef zones, below 30 meters, that were previously difficult to study. The absence of bubbles and noise means wildlife is less disturbed, improving behavioral observations and ecological counts. Rebreathers yield higher-quality data in sensitive coastal ecosystems like seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs. However, their use requires specialized training and vigilance due to gas toxicity and technical complexity. Scientific results can vary depending on the respiratory system used, so consistency in methods is important. Deployment in scientific diving has grown and was formally integrated into research regulations in France in 2019. Scientific diving remains strictly regulated with medical checks and safety protocols to protect divers and ensure data quality. More here.

-Calls for proposals, scholarships and consultations

2nd KALRO Scientific Conference and Exhibition – Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems 
Call for abstracts 
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) invites you to be part of the 2nd Scientific Conference & Innovation Expo 2026 — a platform to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and connect with key players in the agri-food sector.
Submit your abstract or apply to exhibit: conference.kalro.org/
Research for Impact: Advancing Knowledge, Policy, and Innovation in Africa 
The Palaver Institute Flagship Research Conference is bringing together thinkers, researchers, innovators, and decision-makers across Africa and opening opportunities for:
→ researchers ready to share their work
→ organizations ready to support meaningful impact
Submit your abstract here.
IUFoST World Congress 2026 Competitions  
Recognizing the important role of food science and technology in shaping the global future, health, and quality of life these competitions provide a platform for participants to showcase their knowledge, creativity, and potential in food science and technology to a global audience.
Competitions for general participants 
·       Young Scientist Awards (for those in their first post-doctoral or first academic position, aged 35 or under)
·       Food Sustainability Awards
·       Global Food Industry Awards
Competitions for Students 
·       Food Safety Without Borders Awards (Master’s and Doctoral students)
·       Quiz Bowl (Undergraduate students)
·       Rose Spiess Foundation’s IUFoST Video Competition (Students over 18)
·       Food Product Development Competition (Undergraduate students)
Check the details here.
Applications are now open for the 2026 to 2027 Research Development Fellowship Programme from Africa Research Excellence Fund. 
This fellowship is designed to support emerging researchers in Africa to strengthen their research capacity and build international collaborations.
What the fellowship offers
• A three to nine month placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe, or Africa
• Structured support at your home institution before and after the placement
• Funding support of up to £47,000
If you are looking to deepen your research experience, expand your network, and accelerate your research career, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Deadline: May 08th, 2026. Apply here.
Applications Now Open: AEDIB Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) 2026 
The AEDIB Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) 2026 call is now open for Africa–Europe consortia working to scale digitally enabled, market-ready solutions across borders.
Building on a successful pilot phase in 2025, the main JIF 2026 call focuses on cross-border cooperation projects between African and European actors that scale existing revenue-generating solutions.
JIF is implemented under the Africa-Europe Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB) and part of the EU’s Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package. It is co-developed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and the European Union (EU), and jointly implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the  Finnish Institute of Public Management (HAUS), leveraging their combined experience in international cooperation, innovation support and strengthening innovation ecosystems.
Eligible countries for JIF: 
Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. European partners must be based in one of the 27 EU Member States.
Applications to the Joint Innovation Facility are open from 10th February to 30th April 2026 (23:59 EAT / 22:59 CET).
The program provides up to €200,000 in non-dilutive funding to support collaborative ventures between African and European partners focused on scaling commercially viable digital innovations with strong growth potential. Learn more & apply here.
Calls for Applications: Research-in-Residence Fellowships and Academic Event Funding at the University of Passau, Germany, in 2026 and 2027. 
The Passau International Centre for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Passau invites applications worldwide from internationally established academics as well as from promising junior researchers at the postdoctoral level for Research-in-Residence Fellowships and Academic Event Funding at the University of Passau.
Research-in-Residence Fellowship: 
Funding of a visiting position for Junior or Senior researchers at the University of Passau.
Funding includes cost of accommodation and living expense, travel costs/mobility allowance, research cost contribution.
Duration: 2 – 6 months.
Eligibility: researchers/academics holding a doctorate.
Applications must be endorsed by a member of the University of Passau, who will act as their host.
Academic Event Funding: 
Funding of academic events to be held in Passau.
Aims at international networking and cooperation between researchers at different career stages; exchange of ideas on innovative research issues.
Eligibility: researchers/academics holding a doctorate.
Applications must include a member of the University of Passau who acts as the main organizer of the event, externals act as co-organizers.
The next application deadline for the above mentioned PICAIS funding programmes is Friday, 15 May 2026. More information here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the PICAIS office (picais-office@uni-passau.de).
Call for Proposals: Polish Development Aid 2026 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland has announced the Polish Development Aid 2026 competition, supporting projects that address humanitarian needs, disaster risk reduction and socio-economic development in partner countries.
The programme aims to support initiatives that strengthen community resilience, improve social services, and promote sustainable development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Total program budget: PLN 28,360,000.
Maximum grant per project: PLN 4,360,000.
Projects should contribute to humanitarian assistance, disaster risk reduction, and development cooperation priorities.
Applications are open to:
-Non-governmental organizations and nonprofit organisations.
-Government and public institutions.
-Academic institutions and universities.
-Private sector entities.
-Research and technology organisations.
Eligible Countries: Kenya, Lebanon, Moldova, Palestine (West Bank and Gaza), Tanzania, Ukraine.  
Deadline to apply: 3:00 PM on 9 April 9 2026
Apply here.
 
Shape the future of Earth Observation for Africa 
The African Research Fellowship (ARF) programme, part of the EO AFRICA flagship initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and its specialised agency, the African Space Agency (AfSA), empowers the next generation of African EO leaders. Since its launch in 2021, ten outstanding fellows have already advanced their research at ESA.
Applicants are invited to propose a 1-year R&D project focused on one of the EO AFRICA thematic priority areas, utilizing EO satellite data and advanced analytical methods.
The research will be fully integrated into the EO AFRICA R&D Initiative. Fellows will gain access to:
  • ESA supported cloud computing resources (e.g. EO Africa Innovation Lab, Space-HPC…) to facilitate collaboration with European scientists in implementing research ideas.
  • The EO AFRICA Space Academy and Digital Campus, which offer dedicated training, scientific tools, and a wealth of expertise to support your project.
  • A professional network that promotes open research practices and reproducible science.
Deadline for proposal submission: 29 April 2026. More here.
Global & Policy Events

Strengthening EU–Africa Collaboration on Agroecology: CEA-FIRST at the PrAEctiCe CWEN Agroecology Final Conference 2026, NARO ARDC-K, Kajjansi, Uganda
26 March 2026, 08:00 – 15:00 
PrAEctiCe CWEN (Circular Water-Energy-Nutrient Systems) Agroecology Final Conference will bring together key initiatives advancing agroecology, sustainable agriculture, and circular food systems.
Register here: https://lnkd.in/es6DD6Hm
31 March 2026 – 09:30 GMT – Format: Virtual (Zoom) 
Webinar organized under the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) initiative “Data Standards for Improved Soil Health Monitoring in Africa: The Role of AUSO”. This webinar will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss the importance of harmonized soil data systems in improving soil health monitoring, supporting evidence-based policymaking, and advancing sustainable agricultural development across Africa.
The session will highlight ongoing efforts and practical approaches to strengthening soil information systems, with contributions from leading institutions including FARA, the African Union Commission (AUC), ISRIC, and other partners.
Register here.
15 April 2026 – Ghana Cocoa Connect Conference 2026
– “The Cocoa Sector at a Crossroads: Leadership, Policy Reform and Investment” 
The AfroEuro Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ghana in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, invites stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and researchers to the Ghana Cocoa Connect Conference 2026.
Waldorpstraat 17, 2521 CA, The Hague, Netherlands
Register here: ngbizfair.com
April 1,3,14,17 
Scaling digital innovation through Africa–Europe partnerships 
The Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) supports collaborations that scale digital and climate-positive innovations while strengthening connections between African and European innovation ecosystems.
1 April 2026 | Information Session
3 April 2026 | Matching Meetup Discovery Session
14 April 2026 | Final Information Session
17 April 2026 | Final Matching Meetup Discovery Session
https://project-spark.africa/joint-innovation-facility/
16 April 2026 – Agricultural Insurance: Innovations, Policies, and Pathways to Scale 
Co-organized by IFPRI, CGIAR, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). More here.
 20–22 April 2026, Brussels  – The 13th Africa–Europe ScienceCollaboration Forum is where policymakers, scientists, and investors come together to co-design the future of Africa–Europe research & innovation.
Register here.
23 April (am) Agrinatura advocacy event – Launching position paper on Education, Research and Innovation: contributions to the Global Gateway strategy implementation (upon invitation).
27–31 July 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria – Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) will organise its 10th General Assembly in conjunction with the 9th Africa Agriculture and Science Week (AASW9. 

8-10 September 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. Agra Middle East 2026 (AgraME 2026)

15-17 September 2026 – Lagos, Nigeria Africa Food Manufacturing Nigeria & Western Africa  

22–25 September 2026. Nairobi (Kenya). Smart Agriculture: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Trade for a Climate-Challenged Africa. 

The event, held at the Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi from September 22-25, 2026, invites papers and proposals on topics like climate-smart ag, agri-finance, digital tech, value chains, and gender/youth in agriculture, with submissions due by March 31, 2026.
22-25 September 2026, Nairobi, Kenya. 8th African Conference of Agricultural Economists https://aaae-africa.events/
19–23 October 2026. FAO HQ, Rome, Italy. CFS 54th Plenary Session. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-governance/cfs53/en/
19-30 October 2026. Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
31 October 2026. International Conference on Agroforestry Systems for Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity (ICASCAAB-2026). The event focuses on agroforestry systems, climate adaptation, and biodiversity — a platform for researchers and practitioners to share developments in the field. More here.

Resources & New Publications

EU considers model contracts for academic researchers
The European Commission is exploring the feasibility of issuing model employment contracts for European researchers, to support mobility and make careers in research more attractive. The model contracts would offer “a common reference that institutions could freely choose to offer for a more predictable and attractive career,” research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva told the European Parliament on March 9.
The policy is being considered as part of the upcoming proposal for a European Research Area (ERA) Act, due in the third quarter of this year. It’s one of several options being explored to support more stable and secure research careers.  More here.
UK Research and Innovation Unveils £1.6 Billion AI Strategy to Strengthen Global Leadership in AI Innovation
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has unveiled its first comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy, outlining a major national effort to strengthen the United Kingdom’s leadership in advanced AI research and innovation.
Announced Feb. 19, the strategy commits a record £1.6 billion in funding for AI over the next four years, marking the largest single investment area within UKRI’s 2026–2030 funding plans. Officials say the initiative is designed to transform cutting-edge AI research into practical benefits for society, including improved healthcare, more efficient public services and new commercial technologies. The strategy identifies several areas where the UK aims to lead globally, including explainable AI, edge computing, human-in-the-loop systems, agentic AI and sustainable AI technologies. Investments will also support foundational disciplines such as mathematics, computer science and engineering, which underpin AI development. More here.
Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible AI
This report provides practical guidance to enterprises for implementing OECD standards on responsible business conduct (RBC) and the OECD AI Principles when developing and using artificial intelligence (AI).
It aims to support innovation, investment and growth of enterprises in the AI value chain by helping enterprises proactively address adverse impacts. The report promotes policy coherence, and where possible interoperability, between the OECD and other national or international AI risk management frameworks. More here.
EU contributes €1 million to WTO fund to boost trade capacity in developing countries
The European Commission has contributed €1 million to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Global Trust Fund for 2026–2027, backing capacity-building programmes that help officials from developing economies and least developed countries (LDCs) engage more effectively in the multilateral trading system, the WTO confirmed. The contribution brings the EU’s total support to WTO trust funds to CHF 34.5 million since it began contributing over two decades ago. More here.
Fiscal policy repurposing as a tool to enable healthy diets
A review of available evidence
This FAO report reviews how fiscal policy repurposing – through taxes and subsidies – can be used as a lever to promote healthier diets and advance global nutrition and non-communicable diseases targets. It first maps the international policy landscape using a documentary scan of multilateral frameworks, grey literature, and global databases, tracing how fiscal measures have been progressively endorsed in nutrition and food systems agendas. It then systematically assesses effectiveness based on 29 systematic, umbrella and scoping reviews (2015–2025), covering around 900 primary evaluations and simulations of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes, taxes on foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS), and subsidies or incentives for nutrient-dense foods.Evidence shows that fiscal measures can shift diets: SSB taxes reduce consumption, HFSS taxes deliver modest gains when rates are high, and subsidies increase intake of nutritious foods.
Yet most evidence comes from high-income settings, and long-term health effects remain underexamined. Current fiscal systems still favour taxes over positive incentives and prioritize staples over nutrient-dense foods. Coherent fiscal repurposing therefore represents a promising but underused strategy to improve diet quality and equity. Read more here.
International investment in the digital economy: A toolkit for policymakers
The digital economy is reshaping global growth, expected to generate over twothirds of new value creation in the coming decade. Yet investment remains highly uneven, deepening divides across regions and leaving many developing countries underserved.
To help policymakers navigate this landscape, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released a new Toolkit on Investment in the Digital Economy, distilling lessons from 101 national strategies, global investment trends, and the experiences of 15 developing countries with mature frameworks.
This practical guide translates recommendations from the World Investment Report 2025 into concrete policy actions, offering pathways to attract sustainable digital investment while advancing development goals under the Global Digital Compact and the Pact for the Future.
More here.
Rising food prices are partly driven by a global slowdown in investment in agricultural research and development (R&D). Both public and private.
It is the conclusion of a new analysis conducted by some of the main experts on this topic. The study analyzed spending in 150 countries in 1980–2021 and shows that growth in agri-food R&D spending slowed from 2.7% per year (1980–2015) to 1.9% (2015–2021).
Agricultural R&D generates very high returns: about $10 in social benefits for every $1 invested. Agricultural productivity growth has historically come predominantly from innovation rather than land expansion, and the benefits of R&D take decades to materialize.
Because of these long lags, today’s slowdown in research investment risks slower productivity growth, higher food prices, environmental pressures, and greater food insecurity in the future.
The authors conclude that governments should increase global agri-food R&D funding and sustain growth of around 3% annually, while strengthening public–private collaboration, data sharing, and regulatory frameworks to accelerate innovation and ensure long-term global food security.
Full article on Nature Magazine here.
The European Union Renews Major Ocean Partnership with the Pacific
The European Union (EU) renews its partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and The University of the South Pacific (USP) to advance their shared ambition of healthy oceans, thriving fisheries, and resilient communities. Implementation will begin this year, with activities rolled out across the Pacific until 2030.
This renewed commitment is a continuation of the Pacific – EU Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme implemented with key regional partners since 2018.
With a total budget of EUR $20 million [FJD $52 million], the second phase of PEUMP will support Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to address critical ocean-related challenges through education, research and training, evidence-based policymaking and technical assistance.
Key areas of work include strengthening ocean governance, sustainably managing oceanic and coastal fisheries, enhancing value chains and market access for equitable benefits while combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing in the Pacific.
The programme builds on the many successes of phase I and was co-designed to align with national and regional priorities on ocean governance, namely the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. More here.
Advancing Integrated Environmental and Nutritional Life Cycle Assessments for Local Food Systems
Accelerating sustainable food system transitions requires spatially explicit integration of local production conditions and nutritional priorities, yet such assessments remain scarce, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. We developed an open-source, reproducible nutritional Life Cycle Assessment model – Local Environmental and Nutritional Scoring (LENS) – and analyzed sub-national food supply chains across six environmental impact categories in Kenya and Rwanda. Results reveal strong context dependency: terrestrial animal products show comparable impacts to most plant-source foods when comprehensively assessed. Enviro-nutritional efficiencies tend to be highest for wild-caught fish and seafood, pulses, fruit and vegetables from low-input systems, and lowest for starchy staples and poultry. Substantial variation within food groups, between co-products, and across space necessitates interpreting scores at landscape level rather than as independent benchmarks for scaling production. More here.
How foreign aid cuts reshape global development assistance
Official Development Assistance (ODA) from major donor countries is shrinking. What should donors prioritise now? IDOS researchers Dr Tim Hailer-Röthel and Dr Heiner Janus shed light on the political dynamics behind the cuts, and on what should be done.
What is the state of development budgets? More here.
Science Europe practical guide to supporting diversity in research environments from Science Europe Member Organisations
In this new Practical Guide, Science Europe explores what diversity means to research organisations, what actions are currently being taken to support this broadened understanding, the challenges and barriers research funding and performing organisations currently face. This guide considers diversity primarily from a human resources perspective and relates to individuals within our research environments. It is important to recognise that diversity should also be considered and supported in terms of research activities, contributions, outputs, and ideas. These elements of diversity also contribute to positive, effective, and inclusive research cultures, and other actions are dedicated to this aspect of diversity, such as through the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). More here.
EU contributes EUR 1 million to strengthen trade capacity in developing economies, LDCs
The European Union is contributing EUR 1 million (approximately CHF 928,000) to support developing economies including least developed countries (LDCs) in strengthening their participation in the multilateral trading system for 2026-2027. This contribution to the WTO’s Global Trust Fund (GTF) will help finance the implementation of the WTO’s technical assistance plan through targeted capacity-building initiatives. These programmes enable government officials from developing economies including LDCs to deepen their understanding of the multilateral trading system and enhance the implementation of their WTO obligations.  Molre here.
EU strengthens science diplomacy and research security to support global research cooperation
As geopolitical competition intensifies, research and innovation are becoming central to economic strength and global influence.
Today, the European Commission presented a new set of measures to strengthen how Europe engages internationally through research and innovation. The initiative aims to reinforce Europe’s global partnerships, while safeguarding its strategic interests, keeping international cooperation open and secure, and enhancing Europe’s attractiveness for talent and innovation worldwide.
Proposal for a Council recommendation on a European Union framework for science diplomacy. The Commission has adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation establishing the first EU framework for science diplomacy. The initiative aims to enable the EU and its Member States to act more strategically and speak with one voice when engaging internationally through research and innovation. It seeks to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, promote democratic values and support cooperation to address global challenges, while improving coordination and the efficient use of expertise and resources across the Union. More here.
News from CGIAR
Madagascar Shows Why the Future of Agricultural Innovation Must Be Integrated
Aligning science, investment, and national systems to build resilient food systems
Madagascar provides a compelling example of why agricultural innovation must move beyond isolated technical solutions toward more integrated approaches. The experience shows that while research generates valuable innovations, their impact remains limited when they are not connected to markets, finance, and policy environments.
In Madagascar, challenges such as low productivity, fragmented markets, and limited advisory systems highlight the need for coordinated action across the entire food system.
The article emphasizes that successful innovation requires aligning research with private sector engagement, investment mechanisms, and value chain development.
IITA’s work demonstrates how co-creation with stakeholders, including farmers and businesses, can ensure innovations respond to real needs and market demand.

Structured partnerships, licensing frameworks, and innovation platforms help translate research outputs into scalable, market-ready solutions.  

At the same time, enabling policy environments and government engagement are essential to remove barriers and support adoption.
The case also shows that innovation must be embedded in local economic systems, including strengthening cooperatives and access to finance.

Integrated approaches that combine technology, markets, governance, and capacity building are key to achieving sustainable impact.

Ultimately, the future of agricultural innovation lies in breaking silos and fostering collaboration across research, policy, and private sector actors.
Madagascar’s experience illustrates how such integrated models can transform food systems and enable innovations to scale effectively.
More here.
Partners across regions globally

This section highights collaborations and policy developments in R&I involving partner institutions across regions of the Global South.

AFRICA

African R&D ‘needs stable, homegrown funding’ 
To continue progress, continent’s governments urged to support third phase of African granting councils initiative
Africa’s national science granting councils have made significant progress over the past decade but remain heavily reliant on external funding and vulnerable to political interference, according to a policy brief.
The brief—published on 6 March by researchers at University College London, the University of Johannesburg and the University of Rwanda—is timed to coincide with the launch of the third phase of the Science Granting Councils initiative, a US$42 million programme supporting African 20 national councils that was announced in February. The brief draws on a survey from 2024 that looked at science granting councils in 15 sub-Saharan African countries. African science granting councils have improved significantly over the past decade.
They have strengthened grant management and adopted digital systems. Regional collaboration has also increased, including joint responses to crises like Covid-19. However, they still rely heavily on external (foreign) funding.
Most African countries spend less than 1% of GDP on R&D, below targets. Links between research and industry remain weak in several countries. In places like Uganda and Zambia, industry develops without using local research. Councils also face political interference and lack institutional independence. Frequent government changes disrupt their long-term strategies. Researchers urge stable domestic funding and stronger legal protections going forward. More here.
South Africa–Brazil partnership to turn South Atlantic into corridor linking Africa and Latin America (TV BRICS) 
Relations between Brazil and South Africa are increasingly viewed as a strategic partnership capable of strengthening cooperation across the Global South, reports The Diplomatic Society, a partner of TV BRICS.
A recent state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to Brazil, where he held talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia, underlined a shared intention to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
Several areas have been identified as offering strong potential for expanded cooperation between Brazil and South Africa. Brazil is one of the world’s leading agricultural producers and has extensive expertise in tropical farming and food production. Cooperation with South Africa could include technology exchange, joint research and expanded trade in value-added agricultural products.
Memoranda of cooperation in agriculture and education represent practical steps toward this goal, while broader collaboration is being explored in areas including defence, science, tourism and sport.
According to international forecasts, “the partnership between South Africa and Brazil could become one of the defining relationships of the Southern Hemisphere, transforming the South Atlantic into a corridor of opportunity linking Africa and Latin America in a new chapter of Global South cooperation”.  More here.
RUFORUM 
Call for Scholarship Applications under the TAGDev 2.0 Programme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year at Egerton University 
This call for Scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year is open to applicants interested in and eligible to study Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Master of Science in Horticulture, Master of Science in Agribusiness Management, and Master of Science in Food Science at Egerton University, Kenya.
Submission Deadline: 1st May 2026 . More here.
Private sector as co-creator, not observer: A Technology-enabled co-creation model for commercializing African University Innovation 
The article argues that African universities produce valuable research, but much of it fails to reach the market because the private sector often acts only as an observer rather than an active partner.
It proposes a co-creation model, where companies, investors, and universities jointly develop innovations from the earliest stages.  This approach ensures that research responds directly to real industry challenges and market needs.
A key tool proposed is the Technology and Innovation Management Platform (TIMP), a digital system designed to connect research, talent, and business opportunities.
The platform uses technologies such as AI, blockchain, tokenisation, and gamification to improve transparency, trust, and collaboration.
By aligning incentives and sharing risks and rewards, the model encourages stronger partnerships between academia and industry. Companies become early users of innovations, helping validate prototypes and accelerate their path to market.
This can reduce the “Valley of Death” where many research innovations fail to reach commercialisation.  The approach also calls for supportive policies and updated university IP frameworks. Overall, the model aims to transform African research into scalable ventures that create jobs, investment, and economic value.
More here.
FARA 
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has officially launched the Quality Criteria for Food Systems Foresight in Africa, marking a significant milestone in strengthening anticipatory governance across the continent. 
The Guide was developed under FARA’s leadership in partnership with the Foresight4Food Initiative and the University of Oxford, with valued support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
The Quality Criteria Guide provides a practical framework to enhance the rigour, inclusivity, transparency, and policy relevance of foresight processes. It establishes standards to strengthen the design, implementation, evaluation, and institutional embedding of foresight within decision-making systems across national, regional, and continental levels.
The Quality Criteria for Food Systems Foresight in Africa is now available for download here.
EU and Algeria conclude PRIMA negotiations 
On 11 March 2026, the European Union and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, successfully concluded negotiations on Algeria’s participation for 2025-2027 in PRIMA- the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area.
The agreement was initialled (on-line) by Mr Abderrahmane Yousfate, Director of Cooperation and University Exchanges at the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Ms Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit for International Cooperation at DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission.
The conclusion of these negotiations further strengthens the scientific cooperation between Algeria, the EU, and the 19 other countries participating in PRIMA. It also demonstrates the shared priority both parties place on sustainable development, and prosperity through science and innovation. In addition, this renewed commitment to PRIMA underscores the strategic importance of the initiative in addressing global challenges, particularly in water and food security.
Next steps 
Once approved, this agreement will allow Algerian entities (such as universities, higher education institutions, research centres, foundations, NGOs and businesses) to fully participate in PRIMA projects in 2025-2027.
Alongside the funding provided by the European Commission to PRIMA, Algeria is expected to contribute EUR 6 million to the Partnership between 2025 and 2027.  More here.
CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA 
 
 The transition to a new generation of public policies for agrifood systems
The document aims to guide the transition toward a new generation of public policies capable of transforming agrifood systems in a rapidly changing and risk-prone global context. It promotes a systemic, integrated, evidence-based approach linking productivity, sustainability and resilience. Its methodology includes conceptual review, comparative analysis of experiences, evidence synthesis, analytical frameworks, and illustrative case studies. The text structures public action into interconnected policy blocks and defines key attributes for modern policies: long-term directionality, consensus building, efficiency, risk management, sequencing and experimentation. It concludes that innovation, coordination, differentiation and a stronger focus on public goods are essential, alongside multi-actor and multi-level governance, to achieve sustainable and inclusive transformations.
Read here.
ASIA
EU and India launch talks on Horizon Europe association
The European Commission and India have launched exploratory discussions regarding India’s potential association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. This follows the 16th EU–India Summit, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strategic cooperation. Commissioner Zaharieva emphasized connecting talent and building global solutions. If association occurs, Indian researchers could receive direct funding and lead projects, contributing financially to the program.
EU-India research cooperation is governed by an agreement renewed until 2030, highlighted in the Joint EU–India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. The EU–India Trade and Technology Council has also strengthened collaboration. Currently, 22 non-EU countries are associated with Horizon Europe.
Source: Read the full original article here.
MIDDLE-EAST 
Palestine Webinar on Horizon Europe 2026-2027
Last February, the European Commission and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Palestine hosted a webinar, “Exploring Funding and Networking Opportunities under Horizon Europe 2026–2027,” to inform Palestinian researchers and institutions about collaboration possibilities with European partners. The event was opened by Dr Basri Saleh and included a keynote from Marcello Scalisi, highlighting the Research Horizons for Gaza (H-GAZA) initiative, a pilot action receiving €1 million in EU funding until June 2027 to support Gaza’s research and innovation capacity.

Ms Buisman from the European Commission emphasized the EU’s dedication to supporting Palestinian researchers and scientific cooperation, aligning with the New Pact for the Mediterranean. The webinar showcased funding opportunities under Horizon Europe, particularly Mediterranean initiatives from 2023–2024, 2025, and 2026–2027 Work Programmes, alongside the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and Interreg NEXT MED programmes. Over 150 representatives from Palestinian universities and research centres attended, receiving guidance on proposal preparation and partnership building. More here.

EUROPE 
1st Ukrainian–European Science Diplomacy Forum
Over the past four years of full-scale war, Ukrainian researchers and academic institutions have continued their work under extraordinary conditions — both within Ukraine and across Europe. Scholars who relocated abroad and those who remained in the country have developed new practical models of international cooperation, maintaining research activity, institutional continuity, and cross-border collaboration despite disruption.
On 12 March 2026, the University of Vienna hosted the 1st Ukrainian–European Science Diplomacy Forum, bringing these experiences together in a European dialogue on science diplomacy, recovery, resilience, and international academic exchange. The Forum highlights Ukraine not only as a partner in reconstruction, but as an active contributor to Europe’s knowledge ecosystem, transforming crisis-driven experience into practical expertise and shared solutions.
Organised by the Ukrainian Science Diaspora in Austria (USciDA) in partnership with European and Ukrainian institutions, the Forum convened senior representatives of European and Ukrainian ministries, the European Commission, UNESCO, international research organisations, funding bodies, leading universities, and Ukrainian science diaspora networks across Europe.
The programme combined institutional perspectives with three thematic panels addressing:
- the strategic role of the Ukrainian Science Diaspora in Europe
- multilateral science diplomacy and global scientific alliances
- scientific cooperation across diplomacy, heritage, arts, and culture
In addition to fostering dialogue, the Forum produced two policy briefs addressing science diplomacy as a pathway for EU–Ukraine cooperation and academic integration of displaced researchers. These outputs were developed jointly by Ukrainian and European scholars and shared with policymakers and institutional partners.
Further information, including the full programme and speaker list, is available at: https://uscida.at/forum/
EU provides €12 million to support Ukraine’s agricultural reforms and alignment with EU
On 19 March, the European Union announced €12 million for agricultural and rural development and food safety reforms in Ukraine, with the launch of the third phase of the EU4SmallFarms and EU4SaferFood projects.
The new phase will strengthen rural development, support small-scale farmers, and help Ukraine align its legislation and practices in agriculture, food safety, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary policy with EU standards.
This support is part of a broader partnership between Ukraine and the EU, which is helping Ukraine prepare for membership of the EU and integration into its internal market. Both projects are funded through the Ukraine Facility instrument.
The projects will run for 40 months and will be implemented closely with key Ukrainian institutions: the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, the Verkhovna Rada, the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, the State Forest Resources Agency, and the State Agency for the Development of Land Reclamation, Fisheries, and Food Programmes.
The project on ‘Improvement of legislation, control and awareness in food safety, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary in Ukraine’ (EU4SaferFood) (phase III) runs from March 2026 till July 2029. Its budget is € 5.4 million.
The project on ‘Support to align Ukrainian legislation, policies and institutions with EU acquis in agriculture and rural development’ (EU4SmallFarms) runs from October 2025 to February 2029. Its budget is €7.5 million.  More here.
Contributors to the newsletter:
Joshua Muhumuza, Communications Coordinator, NRI; Lauranne Cox, Communications Advisor, KIT Institute; Nicoletta Maestrini, Digital Marketing and Digital Education Expert, FiBL; Jelle Maas, International Liaison Officer, WUR; CEA First and VC4D teams.CEA First, SASI-SPI and VC4D teams.
AGRINATURA brings together European universities and research organizations united by a shared commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural development and improving people’s livelihoods. The network focuses on initiatives that create new opportunities for farmers, strengthen food security, and foster innovation across the agro-food sector — all while reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural activities. Through their collective expertise and experience in agricultural research and education for development, AGRINATURA members actively contribute to building more resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide. https://agrinatura-eu.eu
 
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