Dr. David Amudavi Underscores BvAT’s Role in Advancing Agri-Food Research and Innovation at the Global Research & Innovation Conference

Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), was among the distinguished participants at the Global Research & Innovation Conference themed ‘Boosting Agrifood Research and Innovation Cooperation for Impact at Scale,’ held from March 11-13 in Brussels. Invited by EU DeSIRA Lift, Dr. Amudavi contributed to high-level discussions aimed at strengthening agrifood research and innovation cooperation worldwide. The conference fostered vibrant exchanges of experiences and lessons learned, where global stakeholders engaged in participatory processes to shape future interventions.

During a High-Level Panel discussion aimed at inspiring EU policies, funders, and development partners on enhancing the impact of Research and Innovations (R&I) programs, Dr. Amudavi underscored the importance of strong, multi-actor research platforms. He emphasized that such platforms must be functional and responsive to their purpose, guided by clear values, well-defined performance frameworks, structured facilitation, and a clear delineation of actor roles. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of these platforms as powerful tools for policy influence and integration.

Dr. Amudavi also stressed the need for high-value innovations within value chains, which require commitment, accountability, and effective communication. He pointed out that these innovations should cater to diverse stakeholders, including producers, extension officers, policymakers, funding institutions, and development agencies, ensuring that research outcomes translate into tangible impact at scale.

As a regional leader and Secretariat to the African Union’s Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I) and related agroecological for sustainable agriculture programmes, Biovision Africa Trust plays a central role in coordinating multi-stakeholder platforms that facilitate research, policy advocacy, and innovation scaling in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Amudavi showcased how BvAT, through its extensive network, fosters collaboration among partners to share research results, inform policies, and develop instruments that support agroecological transitions from knowledge production to large-scale adoption.

One of the key multi-stakeholder platforms BvAT organizes is the biennial Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference. Dr. Amudavi took the opportunity to inform participants about the upcoming Second Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference, set to take place in Nairobi from March 25-28, 2025. This conference will bring together diverse actors to deliberate on advancing agroecology and strengthening innovation ecosystems across the region.

The conference in Brussels attracted 150 participants, including representatives from the European Commission, policymakers from EU Member States (such as BMA and CIRAD), international research centers (e.g., CGIAR and icipe), universities, regional research and education networks (e.g., The European Alliance for Agricultural Knowledge Development Agrinatura, FARA, RUFORUM), civil society organizations, and farmer organizations like the Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO) among others.

Dr. Thomas Dubois, Head of Plant Health at icipe, presented insights on the EU-supported Regional Multi-Actor Research Network for Agroecology in East Africa (RMRN-EA) project. This initiative aims to drive the transition towards sustainable agri-food systems in sub-Saharan Africa through agroecology-based principles and practices. BvAT is a key partner in this project, contributing significantly to policy advocacy on agroecology in East Africa.

Dr. Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and Fisheries at the European Commission (DG INTPA), emphasized the critical need for funding Research and Innovations that demonstrate tangible value and accountability to taxpayers. His remarks aligned with Dr. Amudavi’s perspective that stakeholders in the research and innovation ecosystem must ensure value for investments, translating funding into measurable outcomes that benefit agricultural communities and ecosystems.

Dr. Amudavi’s participation in the conference reaffirmed BvAT’s pivotal role in advancing agroecological research, innovation, and policy advocacy in Africa. By fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations, organizing impactful conferences, and contributing to research networks such as RMRN-EA, BvAT continues to champion the transformation of agri-food systems towards sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.