At the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali, WFO brought farmers’ priorities into discussions on agricultural research, innovation and climate investment, while strengthening dialogue with key partners across food systems.

From 31 August to 3 September 2026, the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) participated in the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda. Centred on the theme “Investing in Africa’s Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience,” the Forum brought together leaders and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to advance practical solutions for the continent’s food systems.

WFO was represented by its President, Dr Daniel Mwendah M’Mailutha, and Secretary General, Dr Andrea Porro. Across its contributions on science-based solutions, agricultural innovation and national climate finance, WFO underscored that policies, technologies and investments are more likely to deliver results when farmers and their organisations are involved from the outset.

Connecting Agricultural Research with Farmers’ Priorities

During the panel discussion “From Science to Investment: Scaling Resilient Food Systems in Africa,“ held as part of the Africa regional launch of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Strategy 2026–2030, Andrea Porro addressed the need to close the gap between farmers and the research sector.

He highlighted the importance of involving farmers’ organisations in identifying research priorities and helping ensure that scientific solutions respond to challenges experienced on the ground. Stronger connections between farmers and researchers can also support the development of technologies that are practical, accessible and adaptable to different farming contexts.

In Kigali, WFO and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding. Signed by Dr Andrea Porro and Alliance Director General Juan Lucas Restrepo Ibiza, the agreement establishes a framework for closer cooperation and connects the Alliance’s research and innovation capacities with WFO’s global network of farmers’ organisations and agricultural cooperatives. Read more about the new partnership.

©Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

WFO also participated in the Farmers Forum Roundtable, “Investing in the People Behind the Value Chain,” which explored how climate-smart agriculture and digital innovations can move beyond pilot projects and reach farmers at scale. There, he reinforced the same message from a broader value-chain perspective.

WFO stressed that agricultural innovation goes beyond technology to encompass products, processes, markets, institutions and relationships among actors across food value chains. For innovation to be effective, solutions must reflect local realities, including farmers’ needs, digital readiness, climate vulnerability and existing business models. Direct engagement with farmers and their organisations is therefore essential before approaches can be successfully adapted or scaled.

Bringing Farmers within Climate Finance Decisions

At the Innovation Hub session “Advancing National Climate Funds and Investments,” WFO Secretary General focused on the governance of national climate finance and the barriers that continue to prevent farmers from accessing it.

He highlighted that farmers, including young and women farmers, should not be treated solely as beneficiaries of climate finance. They should participate in defining priorities, shaping investment decisions, and monitoring the implementation and impact of funded initiatives.

While climate finance is increasingly available, farmers still lack dedicated pathways to access most international climate funds directly. WFO therefore called for farmers’ organisations and cooperatives to be recognised as delivery partners, trusted intermediaries and potential access channels, capable of aggregating farmers’ needs, lowering transaction costs and helping finance reach farms of all sizes.

“The success of climate finance should not be measured only by how much funding is mobilised, but by whether it enables farmers to invest, adapt and build resilient and economically viable farms,” Dr Porro said.

He also stressed the importance of national ownership, transparent governance, cross-sector coordination and locally led planning, noting that climate finance mechanisms must reflect national priorities and local circumstances. Approaches should be developed through inclusive processes and adapted to each country’s agricultural, economic and institutional context.

Throughout the Forum, WFO’s message was consistent: farmers are already investing, innovating and responding to climate change, but they need policies, research systems and financial mechanisms designed with them rather than for them. Finance and investment can help take these efforts further. To deliver lasting impact, however, governments, the private sector and farmers, particularly smallholders, need to work together from the outset in ways that strengthen farmers’ position in value chains, share risks fairly and ensure that they receive a fair share of the value created.

Cover photo: ©AllianceAfrica