October 15, 2025
Agency report
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has urged the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), to report science accurately to support Africa’s drive for a food secure and climate resilience future.
Dr Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the AATF gave the advice at the opening ceremony of the IFAJ World Congress of Agricultural Journalists 2025, on Wednesday in Kenya.
He stressed that accurate science reporting is crucial, as it’s impact extends far beyond the fields and laboratories.
Kanangire, represented by Vitumbiko Chinoko, Project Manager, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) at AATF, noted that the convergence of technology, media and farmer innovation offered Africa an unprecedented opportunity.
He said the media were not just story tellers, but catalysts of transformation as the IFAJ congress emphasised the crucial role they play in shaping how Africa understands and embrace innovation.
He said through accurate reporting, complex science are translated into stories that farmers, policymakers, and investors can act upon.
Commending the efforts of the media, he acknowledged that without them, many scientific breakthroughs would remain confined to research stations.
He said with their help, innovations are able to travel across borders, inspiring confidence and empowering communities.
Kanangire disclosed that over the past decades, AATF has positioned itself as a bridge between innovation and impact, connecting world-class research to the realities of African smallholder farmers.
“Through partnerships, we have enabled equitable access to climate-smart and biotechnology solutions, improved seeds, and mechanisation tools that are transforming agricultural systems across 24 African countries.
“Our mission had always been clear, to transform the livelihoods of African farmers through innovative agricultural technologies,’’ he said.
He explained that the foundation not only delivers better technologies, but also supports development of enabling policies, strengthens institutions, and builds capacity of those who work daily to feed Africa.
According to the AATF Executive Director, the present narrative of the foundation is one of collaboration, conviction, and immeasurable impact.
He said there were thousands of hectares under climate-smart technologies, and a growing ecosystem of partners driving inclusive growth across Africa’s agricultural value chains.
He assured that as the foundation continues to expand its reach to more farmers and countries, it considers the media a vital partner in accelerating Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Kanangire said AATF would build Journalists’ capacity to understand and report on complex scientific and technological advances with accuracy and context.
The foundation would also use platforms like the IFAJ to showcase its innovations, partnerships, and farmer success stories that inspire confidence in African science and technology.
It would also co-create communication initiatives, from farmer-centered documentaries to policy dialogues and digital storytelling, which amplify Africa’s progress toward food and nutrition security.
President of the IFAJ, Steve Werblow remarked that there was nothing more fundamental than feeding the world, contrary to what is happening where many leaders seem more interested in picking fights over sovereignty, trade or culture wars.
“That’s a mission in which borders must fall away so information can flow, a changing climate doesn’t stop at the border.
“A changing climate doesn’t stop at the border. Stripe rut doesn’t go home because it didn’t get its visa, and ironically, food sovereignty is an international task,” Werblow said.
Nicoline de Haan, CGIAR’s Science Program Director, Gender, Equality and Inclusion, CGIAR’s 2025-2030 Science Portfolio pointed out that food systems around the world were from from equal.
She said women play central roles in food systems-as farmers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and innovators. Yet, they continue to face persistent barriers that limit their productivity and opportunities.
She advocated for full story telling inclusive of women leading and innovating, stories of young entrepreneurs and innovators transforming food systems, of communities driving resilience and response to climate change.
Mutah Kagwe. EGH-Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Department also spoke through Prisper Chepkonga, County Executive Member of Agriculture.
Highlight of the opening ceremony was award given to the 20th IFAJ/ Alltech Young Leaders class, and remarks by other partners.
The IFAJ is a global, non-political, non-profit organisation representing over five thousand agricultural communicators in 60 countries.
The congress had the theme; “Unlocking the Agricultural Potential in the Cradle of Mankind.’’