Dear Reader,

As we embark on this journey of transforming African agriculture through the DIVAGRI project, it is inspiring to witness the synergy between innovation, empowerment, and sustainability. Our diverse initiatives underscore the pivotal role of bio-based and circular agricultural innovations in driving revenue diversification and resilience across the continent.

It is a privilege to share with you DIVAGRI’s empowering stories, showcasing the remarkable strides we are making towards a sustainable and inclusive future for African agriculture. These narratives highlight the dedication and ingenuity of our team and partners, whose efforts are pivotal in realising our collective vision.

Fellow colleague Ms Elisa Matola, our esteemed Gender Expert from the Instituto Superior Politecnico de Manica in Mozambique, highlights the importance of gender empowerment within our project. Her story, "Empowering Women and Youth in African Agriculture," illustrates how our efforts are paving the way for greater inclusion and opportunities for women and young people in the agricultural sector. Empowering these groups is crucial for fostering a more equitable and productive agricultural landscape.

Water scarcity remains a significant challenge for many African farmers. Mhlengi Khambule, a DIVAGRI PhD student from Stellenbosch University, shares a groundbreaking solution in his story, "Turning Saline Water into a Productive Resource for Farming in Africa." By utilising desalination greenhouses, small farmers can transform saline water into a valuable resource, enhancing their agricultural productivity and sustainability.

The importance of soil health and preservation is eloquently conveyed by Thuleleni Mkhumbuzi, a dedicated farmer who recently attended DIVAGRI’s Master Trainer Workshop in Stellenbosch. In "We Must Preserve Our Soils So Our Children Can Farm Them in the Future," Thuleleni emphasises the necessity of maintaining fertile soils to ensure agricultural prosperity for future generations.

Our collaborative efforts with kwaNdaba farmers are yielding promising results, as highlighted by Agricultural Research Council researchers Charity Mapumulo and Noluthando Ngcobo. In "KwaNdaba Farmers Are Embracing Bio-based Technologies," they share insights on how farmers are adopting innovative bio-based technologies, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Training and capacity-building are central to our mission. Fellow colleague Ms Evgenia Mahler, our training coordinator, reflects on the "Take Charge of Your Life" training programme led by facilitator Nina Mapili. The story, "Training Agripreneurs to Lead Enterprising Lives," showcases the transformative impact of empowering farmers and trainers in South Africa and Ghana with the skills and confidence to lead successful agricultural enterprises.

Efficiency and productivity are essential for small-scale farmers. Fellow colleague Dr. Aart-Jan Verschoor, an Agricultural Research Council economist and DIVAGRI researcher, emphasises the importance of record-keeping in his story, "Record Keeping Will Improve the Productivity of Small-Scale Farmers." Implementing robust record-keeping practices can significantly enhance farm management and productivity.

To foster continuous learning and knowledge sharing, we are excited to announce the expansion of our Webinar Series programme. From June 2024 until December 2025, we will be hosting a series of webinars to disseminate key findings and innovations from the DIVAGRI project. This initiative aims to connect stakeholders, share best practices, and drive collective progress in African agriculture.

We wish to apologise for a misspelling of a surname that crept into our last newsletter where the name of University of Cape Coast student Christina Fobir who submitted her Masters thesis on Biogas Technology was misspelt in the newsletter. It was corrected in the online version from Fopir to Fobir.

As we move forward, the stories and experiences shared by our dedicated team and partners remind us of the transformative potential of our work. Together, we are not only advancing agricultural practices but also empowering communities and ensuring a sustainable future for African agriculture.

With warm regards,
Seb
Sébastien Clerc-Renaud,
Project coordinator, on behalf of DIVAGRI Project Consortium

DIVAGRI
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May 2024
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Furthering the DIVAGRI Webinar Series: connecting knowledge and innovation

To foster continuous learning and knowledge sharing, we are excited to announce the expansion of our Webinar Series program. From June 2024 until December 2025, we will be hosting a series of webinars to disseminate key findings and innovations from the DIVAGRI project. This initiative aims to connect stakeholders, share best practices, and drive collective progress in African agriculture.

Our upcoming webinars are designed to provide in-depth insights into various aspects of our project, offering valuable knowledge to farmers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. A preview of the topics we’ll be covering in the first phase of our series is outlined next.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated with the latest news, insights, and events from the DIVAGRI project. Join our online community to engage with experts, share your experiences, and be a part of the conversation driving innovation and sustainability in African agriculture.

Webinar 1: DIVAGRI key findings on revenue diversification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular agricultural innovations
Date: June 6, 2024
Join us as we delve into the core findings of the DIVAGRI project, highlighting effective strategies for revenue diversification through innovative bio-based and circular agricultural practices. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of our research and its practical implications for African agriculture.

Webinar 2: DIVAGRI Knowledge Sharing Centers
Date: June 25, 2024
Discover how our Knowledge Sharing Centers are revolutionizing information exchange and collaboration among agricultural stakeholders. This session will explore the role of these centers in facilitating the dissemination of best practices, fostering community engagement, and supporting sustainable agricultural development.

Webinar 3: DIVAGRI Living Labs
Date: July 17, 2024
Explore the dynamic environments of our Living Labs, where innovative agricultural practices are tested and refined in real-world settings. This webinar will showcase the successes and learnings from our Living Labs, emphasizing their importance in driving practical, on-the-ground solutions for African farmers.

Webinar 4: DIVAGRI synergies to enhance strategic cooperation and mechanisms
Date: September 10, 2024
Learn about the strategic partnerships and cooperative mechanisms that are essential to the success of the DIVAGRI project. This session will highlight how collaborative efforts across different sectors and regions are enhancing the impact of our initiatives and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Webinar 5: Biobased solutions for revenue diversification pathways in Africa through bio-based and circular agricultural innovations
Date: September 27, 2024
Delve into specific bio-based solutions that are paving the way for new revenue streams in African agriculture. This webinar will present case studies and examples of how innovative bio-based and circular agricultural practices are being implemented to drive economic growth and sustainability.

We encourage all stakeholders to participate in these webinars, as they offer a unique opportunity to learn from our research, share experiences, and contribute to the collective advancement of African agriculture. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create a resilient, prosperous future for our farming communities.

Stay tuned for registration details and further announcements. We look forward to your active participation and engagement in our Webinar Series.

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