Knowledge Management, Digitalization and Learning Cluster Lead
Specialist, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Knowledge Management Award Winner 2024
As Africa continues to navigate its complex development challenges,
Knowledge Management (KM) must be central to our strategies for
sustainable progress. Through innovative and transformative
initiatives such as the Knowledge Management for Agricultural
Development (KM4AgD) agenda, the African Agricultural Research for Development institutions and ecosystem (national, regional and
continental) have witnessed the power of context-based, cohesive
and locally driven knowledge systems in influencing policy and
promoting sustainable development. Thus, underscoring the need for
African-led frameworks integrating indigenous knowledge with global
best practices, ensuring that development solutions are context-specific and inclusive.
Moreover, knowledge tools and services like the FARADataInformS, an observatory for Africa agriculture, the DSpace(CGSpace), the FARA Africa Community engagement platform (Dgroups) and
other open-access repositories have proven instrumental in democratising knowledge and bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice. To achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063, Africa must invest in collaboration, learning, and adaptive systems that empower stakeholders at all levels—from grassroots communities to policymakers—to co-create and utilise knowledge for
equitable development. Fortunately, the Post-Malabo strategy document has unambiguously elaborated KM as an essential instrument for a prosperous Africa.
I urge global stakeholders to recognise Africa as a beneficiary and an active contributor to global knowledge for development. Strengthening regional networks, fostering cross-sectoral partnerships, and promoting digital innovation will be pivotal in amplifying African voices and solutions in the global knowledge economy.