About the conference theme

Since the turn of the century, the African agri-food system has been plagued by an increasing number of extraneous shocks and stressors, stemming from a variety of sources, including climatic and natural disasters, man-made conflicts, health-related issues, and macroeconomic factors. These events are disruptive to populations and their livelihoods and, unless adequately addressed, they will impede Africa's structural transformation through their adverse impact on agriculture and the wider food system.

 

As we enter the third year of the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition, it is imperative that the sector outlines strategies to build resilience and mitigate the impact of these shocks and stressors.

 

In light of this, the 7th African Conference of Agricultural Economists, taking place in Durban, South Africa, on 18-21 September 2023, and jointly organized with the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), will explore the theme "Through Crisis: Building Resilient Agri-food Systems in Africa." The conference will bring together leading scholars, policymakers, agribusiness representatives, and development practitioners to reflect on recent developments in African agricultural systems and identify pragmatic approaches to building a more resilient and sustainable African agriculture.

 

The conference will consider a wide range of areas, including policy development and dissemination, climate change, and healthcare delivery. As the right to food is a universal human right, it is essential to promote sustainable food systems and accelerate the adoption of sustainable food sources through research and development actions from all stakeholders in the value chain.

 

In conclusion, the African Conference of Agricultural Economists represents a much-anticipated opportunity for African agricultural economists and development experts to come together, exchange ideas, and chart a path towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector for the continent.