Dear AgriFoSe2030 friends,

The year 2026 has begun, and it is fantastic to see all the activities taking place across the hubs and projects!

To spread the word about what we do, how we work, and the impact AgriFoSe2030 achieves, we have launched a brand-new LinkedIn channel. Please follow us there for the latest updates and spread the information to your colleagues.

Several courses have recently taken place, and more are scheduled in the near future. It is truly inspiring to see the strong interest among participants, as well as the high level of engagement within the hubs.

We would also like to congratulate Shadreck Nembaware and Tatenda Murefu, both from the Zimbabwe hub, on completing their doctoral studies. Well done!

In this newsletter, you can read about the latest developments in the hubs and change projects, and how—thanks to the programme—many smallholder farmers are looking toward a brighter future.

As we look ahead to another fruitful year for AgriFoSe2030, we hope to build on this momentum and deliver even greater outcomes for more sustainable and resilient food systems.

Dr. Elisabeth Rajala
Programme Director

Meet the GenSens project

Each newsletter, you will meet one of the change projects in AgriFoSe2030. Second out is the project Gender-sensitive village extension training in Tanzania.

Get to know the GenSens project in Tanzania

The change project Gender-sensitive village extension training is funded through the AgriFoSe2030 programme and coordinated by Dr. Merezia Wilson Bambaganya, University of Dar es Salaam Business School.

The focus is on training tutors and students to a deeper understanding of gender-related issues and differences, of how these are relevant to agricultural development efforts and will benefit from more gender-sensitive extension training.

News

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? Read more about the fruitful webinar Dr. Isabel Vogel, AgriFoSe2030 MEL adviser, gave to participants in the Uganda hub.

Read full article and watch the recording here

AgriFoSe2030 on LinkedIn!

Follow us to learn more about our insights, stories, outputs, and collaborations — from webinars and scientific outputs to change stories and perspectives from our regional hubs in Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Share with your networks and let us engage further on how science can help transform food systems sustainably. Let us build knowledge together — follow, comment, share your thoughts and join the conversation!

Professor Frank Mugagga inducted as a Fellow of Uganda National Academy of Sciences

Professor Frank Mugagga has been inducted as a Fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) during its 2025 conference and annual general meeting held in Kampala. He was among twelve eminent agricultural scientists honored following a rigorous vetting process.

Go to website

Universities unite and pledge to lead policy influence from the front

On 15th January 2026, The University of Nairobi led by the acting Vice Chancellor hosted vice chancellors and hub leaders from partner universities for the Kenya Science Translation Hub.

Read the article

Fruitful visit to Embu University

On 14 October 2025, the AgriFoSe2030 programme was represented by the Kenya Hub advisor, Dr. Veronica Brodén Gyberg, Associate Professor at the Department of Thematic Studies – Environmental Change, Linköping University, during a visit to the University of Embu in Embu, Kenya.

The meeting was attended by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Mugendi, the Coordinator of the Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Dr. Justin Nyaga, as well as faculty leaders and other stakeholders.

Discussions featured presentations to enhance understanding of the University of Embu’s work. We emphasized the importance of the ongoing collaboration with AgriFoSe2030 and explored potential opportunities for joint research through upcoming applications and partnerships.

Chinhoyi University shares insights on food security

Under the guidance of the Zimbabwe Hub's Process Coordination Champion, Professor Robert Musundire, convened a knowledge exchange workshop from February 5-9, 2026. The event brought together researchers and stakeholders from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and other African countries.

CUT hosts delegates from seven countries for the AgriFoSe2030 science translation workshop

The Zimbabwe Hub hosted a team of delegates from Uganda, Namibia and Zambia, who went on an insightful and fruitful exchange visit to the university.

CUT conducts the AgriFoSe2030 post-workshop Knowledge Exchange visit

Rachmat Mulia presents at Asian Development Bank Conference in Tokyo

Rachmat Mulia, researcher with the AgriFoSe2030 programme and affiliated with CIFOR‑ICRAF, presented at the Asian Development Bank’s International Conference on Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, held in Tokyo on 22–24 September 2025.

Rachmat’s session focused on translating scientific evidence into policy and practice, using the emergence of e‑commerce for fruit marketing and improving smallholder livelihoods as a concrete example drawn from his work in Vietnam.

Read the article here