Voices from the Event
“This was one of the rare events for which I am fully satisfied with everything, from the organisation to the implementation. People listened to us attentively… the event showed me that advanced institutions and donors can listen and respond to farmer needs.”
Ousmane Boukar, IITA
What participants told us
The 2025 International Partnerships Event in Cambridge was built around equitable collaboration, farmer-centred research, mutual respect and genuine dialogue across disciplines and regions. Participant reflections showed that attendees valued the event’s interactive design, African leadership and focus on science shaped by real farming needs.
The Africa Crop Forum 2026 builds on the lessons and feedback that were voiced at the 2025 event. The event in 2026 will continue to place African-defined priorities, breeder perspectives, farmer realities, mentoring and fundable collaborations at the centre of the programme, while using interactive formats that help people move from ideas to practical next steps.
Partnership as mutual respect and shared purpose
Participants emphasised that successful international research partnerships depend on mutual value, trust, shared goals and respect.
“Each partner must recognise the importance of the other… Equal importance should be observed even if one partner contributes more funds, knowledge, or expertise.”
— Ousmane Boukar, IITA
“A successful, long-term partnership is built on shared goals and mutual respect… Every team member’s expertise is valued from project design to execution.”
— Pearl Abu, WACCI
“Inclusivity, honesty and integrity ensure that all partners feel valued and respected; this builds trust and enables impactful, sustainable outcomes.”
— Celestine Oduor, Harper Adams University
Farmer-centred science and locally relevant priorities
Participants highlighted the need to ground research in local farming systems, adoption realities and the needs of farmers.
“Research organisations in Africa should focus on identifying the prevalent needs of farmers rather than ‘fancy’ research that does not translate into solutions.”
— Ihuoma Okwuonu, NRCRI
“Partnerships must start with farmer needs and be co-created from the beginning… This increases adoption and ensures solutions are relevant.”
— Pearl Abu, WACCI
“Science can make an impact only when it responds to the real needs of farmers—hunger, health, poverty—and when partners co-design solutions.”
— Ousmane Boukar, IITA
“A vibrant convergence of science, innovation and collaboration… one of the best implemented meetings of this type.”
— Danny Coyne, IITA
“The meeting was highly interactive… It left me feeling energised and optimistic about the direction our collaborative work is heading.”
— Esther Arunga, University of Embu
The value of open dialogue and working sessions
Participants valued the paired talks, Challenge and Offer exchange, flip-chart sessions and project deep-dives because they created space for genuine exchange.
“The flip-chart sessions were a great, informal way to hear about a broad range of projects and choose which to explore further.”
— Toby Barber, NIAB
“I really liked the ‘Challenge and Offer Exchange’ session. Many people are looking to be part of a network and to share ideas and resources.”
— Amelia Henry, IRRI
A shared desire for continuity and scaling
Participants expressed strong interest in maintaining and expanding the community formed at the event.
“I strongly hope this becomes a regular event… perhaps the start of a dedicated society focused on delivering impact for farmers.”
— Shalabh Dixit, IRRI
“I would like to see follow-up actions, new collaborations, and opportunities for young scientists… This meeting has inspired me greatly.”
— Comfort Frimpomaa Kwakye, WACCI
Interested in the Africa Crop Forum 2026?
The 2026 forum builds on the partnership model developed through the 2025 event in Cambridge while focusing on African-led priorities, field realities and future funding opportunities.