APPSA Lesotho showcases research and development products in an Agricultural Conference in South Africa

24 Feb 2024

Scientists leading Research and Development (R&D) sub-projects under the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) in the Kingdom of Lesotho, participated in a conference on science informed dialogue and inclusive collaboration across the sector for food systems transformation hosted by the Agricultural Research Council of the Republic of South Africa (ARC) in collaboration with National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), from the 12th to 14th February 2024 in Pretoria South Africa.

The theme of the conference was “Science transforming food systems for a better future”. The event was also aimed at showcasing research that is being jointly implemented under the following sub-themes: Climate smart agricultural technologies and innovation; Soil and water use conservation and management; One Health and Biosecurity Innovations; Unlocking value in agricultural value chains; 4IR and Big Data in agriculture.

The APPSA R&D Scientists from the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR)-Lesotho were showcasing various information materials such as farmer field school manuals and flyers, Nua 45 bean recipe booklets, orange fleshed sweet potato brochures and moisture probe meter that attracted most conference participants. During the conference, information was exchanged with other participants for possible collaboration between DAR and various stakeholders nationally and internationally.

Insightful discussions between scientists from ARC, DAR and other institutions was enriching and gratifying, touching on critical issues pertaining agricultural research and development in Africa with special emphasis on the SADC region. This engagement underlined the need for research collaboration and subsequent information dissemination amongst key stakeholders in African countries.