On Thursday, August 21, from 18:30 to 19:30, the TICAD9 Thematic Event (MAFF Seminar) titled “Fostering the Future Through International Collaborative Research: Young Researchers Engaging with Africa” was held in a hybrid format at Exhibition Hall D of Pacifico Yokohama. The event was organized by JIRCAS and supported by the Japan Intellectual Support Network in Agricultural Sciences (JISNAS).

In the opening remarks, Dr. YANAGIHARA Seiji, JIRCAS Vice-President, emphasized the importance of young researchers and expressed the expectation that this seminar would contribute to shaping their future career paths. This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Zoniaina Ramahaimandimby, JIRCAS Fellow, who introduced his research integrating agriculture, nutrition, child health, and climate resilience. Dr. YAGETA Yoshie, Researcher in the Social Sciences Division at JIRCAS, then reported on the significance of sustainable agricultural technologies in relation to climate change and productivity improvement in West Africa. In addition, Ms. Maryiano Keziah, a doctoral student in the Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies at Tokyo University of Agriculture, presented her research on the diversity of Amaranthus in the context of food insecurity in Kenya, highlighting efforts to strengthen Japan–Africa collaborative research.

In the panel discussion, Dr. ASANUMA Shuichi, JICA Special Advisor, and Dr. Papa Saliou Sarr, Senior Researcher in the Crop, Livestock and Environment Division at JIRCAS, joined the dialogue. The discussion covered diverse themes including the significance of international collaboration, its impact on career development, lessons from fieldwork, and the co-creation of globally relevant innovations. Finally, Dr. EHARA Hiroshi, Executive Secretary of JISNAS, emphasized the importance of robust Japan–Africa partnerships and continued efforts to nurture the next generation of researchers. The overall session was moderated by Dr. SHIRATORI Sakiko, Project Leader at JIRCAS.

TICAD9 MAFF Seminar Titled “Fostering the Future Through International Collaborative Research: Young Researchers Engaging with Africa”