On Friday, December 1, 2023, JIRCAS held a hybrid side event titled "Toward Building a Sustainable and Resilient Food System in Africa" to mark the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

The event highlighted the need for approaches to agricultural development in Africa that recognize and respect the diversity inherent in agricultural production and food consumption. Discussions at the event addressed key issues related to agriculture, forestry and fisheries in Africa, highlighting Japan's contributions. The program also explored the history and current status of international collaborative research and highlighted research needs in the context of Africa's diverse agricultural landscape.

The discourse covered a range of factors, including crops, water resources, soils, microbes, agricultural management, and nutrient supply. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations about the nuances of African agriculture and identified key considerations in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the continent.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan officially recognized this event as a key side event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of TICAD, which itself celebrated three decades of fostering cooperation between Japan and African nations.

We sincerely thank all participants for their valuable contributions. For those unable to attend, a video capturing the essence of the event will be made available on YouTube at a later date to ensure wider access to the insights shared during this momentous occasion.