In the Picture: Dr. Tshilidzi Madzivhandila (FANRPAN) speaking as a panelist during the technical session on agrifood systems transformation
FANRPAN provided strategic support to the Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in convening the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS), held from 26 to 29 May 2025 at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, Limpopo.
The meeting focused on six thematic areas, namely: The transformation of agrifood systems, stewardship of biodiversity, genetic, and natural resources; soil health and sustainable management; reinforcing Climate-Smart Agriculture for resilience in food systems; building resilient agricultural bioeconomies; and digital agriculture and the adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.
As a recognized regional policy think tank and convener, FANRPAN partnered with CGIAR to shape a high-impact technical session on agrifood systems transformation. During the panel discussion, FANRPAN CEO and Head of Mission, Dr. Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, emphasized the critical role of regional policy frameworks—such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), Agenda 2063, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—as entry points for harmonized and coordinated policy transformation across African countries.
Dr. Madzivhandila underscored the importance of establishing and strengthening robust accountability mechanisms to ensure that policy commitments lead to tangible development outcomes. Drawing from FANRPAN’s experience, he referenced tools such as Joint Sector Reviews (JSRs), peer review mechanisms, and community scorecards as effective instruments for fostering transparency and tracking progress from national to regional levels.
He further advocated for stronger mutual accountability platforms and called for the inclusion of local voices—especially those of women, youth, and marginalized communities—in both continental and global policy dialogues, including the G20.
Importantly, Dr. Madzivhandila urged the G20 MACS to prioritize research that not only delivers technological innovation but also evaluates the implementation and social impact of policy—particularly in terms of equity, nutrition, and livelihoods.
The meeting concluded with a communiqué in which G20 agricultural scientists affirmed the urgency of enhancing agricultural research, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable agriculture and food systems. They also emphasized the value of farmer contributions and indigenous knowledge in shaping research and innovation agendas. The communiqué reiterated the importance of scientific freedom—allowing independent inquiry, methodological diversity, and transparent communication of findings—and will be tabled at the G20 Ministerial meeting in September.
FANRPAN’s participation at the G20 MACS reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Africa’s perspectives are heard and integrated into global agricultural research and innovation policy processes.
