Maseru, Lesotho – April 2, 2025 – The 2nd Regional Scientific Conference for the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) officially commenced today at Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, Lesotho. Organized by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the three-day conference has gathered leading agricultural researchers, policymakers, farmers, private sector actors, and development partners to drive forward innovation and research in the region.
Under the theme “Investing in Agricultural Research for Sustainable Economic Growth in the SADC Region,” the conference aims to foster collaboration, promote knowledge exchange, and accelerate the dissemination of improved agricultural technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs). Participants have an opportunity to engage in high-level discussions to address pressing agricultural challenges, including climate change, productivity constraints, and global shocks impacting food systems.
Hon. Thabo Mofusi, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition of the Kingdom of Lesotho, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tackling agricultural challenges.
“Agricultural research and development is at the core of our agricultural agenda. As a region, we must prioritize resilience-building initiatives to help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change while ensuring food and nutrition security for our people.”
Dr. Majola Mabuza, APPSA Regional Coordinator, speaking on behalf of Prof. Cliff Sibusiso Dlamini, CCARDESA Executive Director, underscored the conference’s role in fostering scientific knowledge exchange:
“This Scientific Conference is a key learning platform among agricultural researchers across the region. The expectation is to stimulate APPSA Scientists to publish their work in peer-reviewed scientific journals to benefit the wider scientific community both regionally and globally.”
Daniel Gerber, representing the World Bank, highlighted the need for sustained efforts in agricultural research:
“A lot has been achieved under the APPSA project, but more still needs to be done to ensure long-term sustainability and continued innovation in agricultural research in Lesotho and the region.”
Who is Attending?
- Researchers, extensionists, and AR4D professionals.
- Farmers and farmers' organizations.
- Policymakers and government representatives.
- Agro-dealers, seed companies, and traders.
- Development agencies and investors in agriculture.
Conference Thematic Areas:
- Crop Improvement: Genetic diversity, breeding, biotechnology, and germplasm conservation.
- Production Systems Management and Intensification: Climate-smart agriculture, soil and water management, integrated pest and disease management.
- Postharvest Technologies, Nutrition, and Value Addition.
- Technology Dissemination and Seed Systems.
- Socio-Economic Studies, Gender, and Youth in Agriculture.
The 2nd APPSA Regional Scientific Conference serves as a crucial platform for advancing agricultural research and innovation in Southern Africa. By fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, the conference aims to bridge the gap between research and practical applications to ensure a resilient and food-secure future for the region.
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For media inquiries, interview requests, or more information, please contact:
Sostino Mocumbe
CCARDESA’s Information, Communication and Knowledge Management Officer
Email: smocumbe@ccardesa.org
Mobile Phone: +267 77704226
Website: www.ccardesa.org
Lefutso Ramokoatsi
APPSA’s Technology Dissemination Officer
Email: ramokoatsi.j@gmail.com
Mobile Phone: +266 58973484
Website: https://agricresearch.org.ls
About APPSA:
The Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) is a six-year, World Bank-funded regional initiative dedicated to enhancing agricultural research and innovation to improve food security and economic development. APPSA facilitates collaborative research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange among participating countries. Currently, APPSA supports the Republic of Angola and the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho in establishing Regional Centers of Leadership on Cassava and Horticulture, respectively.
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