The 2nd Regional Scientific Conference for the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) was held at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, Lesotho. Coordinated by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the three-day event ran under the theme “Investing in Agricultural Research for Sustainable Economic Growth in the SADC Region.”
The conference brought together leading agricultural researchers, government officials, policymakers, farmers, private sector actors, and development partners across Southern Africa. It provided a vital platform for showcasing scientific innovations, promoting collaboration, and discussing practical solutions to drive sustainable growth and resilience in the region’s agriculture sector.
Officially opening the conference, the Honourable Thabo Mofusi, Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition of the Kingdom of Lesotho, applauded the regional collaboration, stating, “This gathering is a testimony to what we can achieve when we pool our knowledge and resources as a region. Agricultural transformation requires strong partnerships, research-based solutions, and a commitment to working together for the benefit of our farmers and communities.”
Significantly, the event was enriched by the participation and support of three regional projects implemented by CCARDESA: the Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA), the CAADP-XP4 project, and the IKI-funded Herding for Health project. These projects also facilitated the attendance of several regional delegates, further enabling knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue.
The AICCRA project focuses on accelerating the delivery of climate-smart agriculture and climate-informed advisory services across Africa. It connects cutting-edge climate research to practical tools and technologies, helping farmers better prepare for and respond to climate risks. The CAADP-XP4 project strengthens the capacity of agricultural research and innovation institutions to support evidence-based policy making and investment aligned with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Meanwhile, the Herding for Health project, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), promotes sustainable rangeland management through nature-based solutions. It integrates livestock herding with community development, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation, particularly in dryland areas.
Delivering closing remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security And Nutrition Lesotho Lesotho, Dr. Lefulesele Lebesa echoed the Minister’s call for researchers and scientists to focus on urgent challenges such as climate change and malnutrition.
The newly elected Chairperson of the CCARDESA General Assembly, Mr Barnabé Carlos Zandamela of Mozambique, extended his sincere gratitude to the Government of Lesotho for graciously hosting the 2nd APPSA Scientific Conference.
CCARDESA commends the contributions of the AICCRA, CAADP-XP4, and Herding for Health teams, whose presence and support helped make the conference a truly collaborative and impactful regional gathering.
