Akademiya 2063 and the Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO) held a virtual meeting to review the implementation progress of the DERPIn project, with active participation from PAFO’s Regional Farmer Organizations (RFOs). This ambitious two-year project spans five African countries—Benin, Ghana, Malawi, Uganda, and Senegal—and aims to transform agriculture through data-driven decision-making and strategic policy dialogues.
The DERPIn project focuses on equipping farmers with tools that address their real needs, making them accessible and practical for enhancing agricultural practices. With contributions from national research partners, the project prioritizes critical areas like crop mapping, yield forecasting, nutrient adequacy, and climate condition analysis. These analytical outputs are crucial for strengthening farmers’ resilience and improving their decision-making processes.
AKADEMIYA2063 leads the development of these tools, while PAFO ensures their relevance and accessibility to farmers. The project brings together various stakeholders, from farmers to policymakers, to establish a comprehensive framework for sustainable agricultural development. Capacity building and policy dialogues are also key components, expected to gain momentum in the coming months.
Country Updates
- Ghana: The Farmers Organization Network in Ghana (FONG) has initiated data collection training, in collaboration with local research institutions.
- Malawi: The Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) has engaged communities to integrate them effectively into the DERPIn project strategies.
- Uganda: Twenty cooperatives focusing on potatoes, bananas, and soybeans have been selected, with preparatory meetings organized to streamline data collection.
Innovations in Agricultural Mapping and Nutrient Analysis
The presentation highlighted innovative practices, such as crop mapping using remote sensing and GIS technology. The study of nutrient adequacy and its economic aspects is also a priority, providing valuable insights to optimize crop productivity while maintaining soil health.
A central theme of the meeting was the importance of capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of farmers, from smallholders to commercial operators. Discussions emphasized the significance of strategic policy dialogues, involving key partnerships and leveraging digital platforms.
The DERPIn project represents a model of innovation and collaboration for African agriculture. By integrating research with field practices, the project is poised to deliver significant improvements in crop management and agricultural policy formulation. As new actors join the initiative, the vision of a resilient, data-informed agricultural sector is becoming more attainable.