Event News

The summit brought together a wide range of stakeholders with the objective of improving soil health and agricultural productivity across Africa. (Image source: IFAD)

In an attempt to address the growing food security challenges, the African Union (AU) convened the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health (AFSH) summit in Nairobi in May this year

Going by the theme, ‘Listen to the land,’ the summit brought together a wide range of stakeholders with the objective of improving soil health and agricultural productivity across Africa. 

Degradation of cultivated land results in nutrient loss, in turn reducing soil quality. Due to its inability to respond well to yield-boosting inputs, compromised soil health is detrimental to small-scale farmers and rural communities, especially during climate shocks.

To address this challenge, the European Union (EU), in collaboration with DeSIRA Lift and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), convened three events during the Summit that explored crucial solutions including integrated soil health management and the use of organic and bio-fertilisers. 

The primary goal of these events was to inform national leaders and catalyse policy and institutional reforms that favor the adoption of these sustainable solutions.

The event is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Johannesburg, South Africa and will also be accessible virtually. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

During the GITEX Africa event held in Marrakech, Morocco this year, Microsoft announced the introduction of its first African Startups AI Fest, deemed to be the largest Microsoft Africa virtual event on the continent

The event’s primary focus is to inspire and support startups to accelerate their journey to market with the right AI-powered tech solutions. Attendees across the continent are welcome to access the event virtually. Scheduled to take place tomorrow at Johannesburg, South Africa, the event will bring together founders, entrepreneurs, business decision-makers, engineers and developers in the startups space from across the continent.

The event will also emphasise the significance of AI, its transformative power and urge startups to consider adopting this revolutionary technology to drive innovation and take their ideas, not only to local markets but a global stage. Attendees will also get an opportunity to hear the success stories of other startups on the continent, including those that have been supported over the years by Microsoft. 

Moreover, industry-specific webinars, pitch coaching sessions, investor community sessions will be organised along with insights on AI technologies and integration with the Microsoft Independent Software Vendor programme. 

For more information and to register for the event, visit: https://msevents.microsoft.com/event?id=2506112959&wt.mc_id=aifest_linkedin_organicsocial_mfsmktg&ocid=AIDN%2FA_LINKEDIN_oo_spl100005738919164

The AgriBITs 2024 Summit promises to be an enlightening and engaging event for all stakeholders in the agriculture and technology sectors. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

AgriBITs, the new platform for agricultural technology innovations, has announced the opening of visitor registration for the highly anticipated AgriBITs 2024 Summit 

Early bird pricing is available until 25 May, 2024, offering a significant discount for those who register early.

The AgriBITs 2024 Summit, scheduled to take place from 5 to 6 of September in the Jaarbeurs Venue in Utrecht, promises to be an enlightening and engaging event for all stakeholders in the agriculture and technology sectors. The main focus is on the theme of Digitalisation in the Agrifood business ranging from AI implementation methods and tools to machinery transformation and bringing together experts, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the latest advancements and trends shaping the future of agriculture.

"We are excited to invite industry professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to join us at the AgriBITs 2024 Summit," said Birgit Horn, managing director Agrifood at VNU Europe, the organisers behind AgriBITs, VIV and Horti Agri Next events. "This year's agenda is packed with insightful sessions, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, providing attendees with a rich and versatile overview of the current landscape and future possibilities in agrifood technology."

Key highlights of the summit include:

• 5 September, 10:00 am – 11:00 am | The Big Picture: AI Essentials - How to prepare for disruptive technologies
• 5 September, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Tech Transformation in AgriFood - Implementation of AI to match your strategy
• 5 September, 15:00 pm – 16:00 pm | The China Perspective - Exploring how strategy and execution come together in food production in China
• 5 September, 16:30 pm – 18:00 pm | Changing the business model - How did tech transform other industries?
• 6 September, 09:00 am – 10:30 am | Pushing the Boundaries in Agriculture - How far can AI go in Agriculture? Regulation, Research, Social Acceptance
• 6 September, 13:30 pm – 15:00 pm | Applications of AI in Agri-food in Northwestern Europe - Implementation in sustainable food production

Holding onto its promise to be a C-Level experience, the AgriBITs Summit, features industry innovators from across the Agrifoodtech landscape. Visitors can among others expect:

• Insights from leaders like Picnic, John Deere, KLM, Huawei, Priva and Lely.
• Exploring the crucial role of Blockchain in fostering trust in food production, presented by Unisot & Amped, facilitated by HubOrange.
• Cutting-edge research and developments from the renowned Frauenhofer Institute and University Medical Centers.

Besides enhancing the worldwide response to AMR, the symposium also promoted One Health concepts through collaborations with groups like AU-IBAR. (Image source: AU-IBAR)

The International Symposium on Pathways to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials to Support Sustainable Livestock Transformation (RENOFARM) took place from 25-26 April in Chongqing, China

Stakeholders, experts and politicians from around the globe gathered at the RENOFARM symposium last month, to discuss the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which is becoming a serious problem across Africa, particularly in the agriculture sector. By taking part, AU-IBAR demonstrated its dedication to fighting antimicrobial resistance and promoting sustainable livestock practices among African Union member states.

The symposium which was in line with the goals of the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Union Framework for Antimicrobial Resistance Control (2020-2025), was convened by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to present the project, encourage participation, and pinpoint important approaches to put it into action. Besides enhancing the worldwide response to AMR, the symposium also promoted One Health concepts through collaborations with groups like AU-IBAR.

The significance of customised strategies for various livestock value chains was further emphasised at the symposium, which also brought attention to the priorities and difficulties encountered by African Union member states in executing RENOFARM. Throughout the symposium, various sessions and presentations addressed critical issues related to reducing the need for antimicrobials. Topics ranged from EU One Health actions and biosecurity measures to national action plans and good production practices. Key achievements included the launch of the RENOFARM initiative, the exchange of country and regional priorities, and the issuance of the Rongchang Statement outlining future actions. Participants emphasised the importance of accelerating the implementation of national action plans, strengthening evidence-based policy-making, and promoting international collaboration.

A presentation titled 'Alternatives to Antimicrobials to Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials - Examples from African Union Member States,' was also delivered by AU-IBAR's AMR Expert, Dr Joseph Magona, providing valuable insights into the key pathways for implementing RENOFARM within African Union member states. In addition, he also shed light on alternative strategies to mitigate antimicrobial use in various livestock value-chains, emphasising the importance of good husbandry practices, vaccination, and biosecurity measures.