By Alfred Zacharia
The international conference on Circular Food Systems (CFS) in Africa is underway in Iringa, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond to review progress and chart the way forward for the project.
The meeting, which officially opened on Monday, was inaugurated by Iringa District Commissioner, Mr. Kheri James. It has attracted participants from Australia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
The seven-day event focuses on evaluating the implementation of the Circular Food Systems project, sharing experiences, and formulating strategies aimed at strengthening agricultural production, improving household incomes, and increasing youth and community involvement, particularly through irrigation farming.
“This project is crucial for transforming our agricultural sector and empowering communities, especially the youth, to take part in sustainable food production,” said Mr James during the opening ceremony.
Iringa is among the regions benefiting from the CFS project. Local farmers have already started witnessing positive outcomes from improved farming techniques, enhanced irrigation systems, and value addition initiatives introduced under the project.
The conference has drawn a wide range of participants, including government officials, development partners, agricultural experts, and researchers.
Technical sessions throughout the week are being led by specialists from Ardhi University, who are providing insights into best practices and innovations in circular food systems.
The CFS project aims to promote a model of agriculture that minimizes waste, maximizes resource use, and integrates environmental sustainability with economic development, a critical approach as many African countries face challenges related to climate change, food insecurity, and limited arable land.
As the conference continues, stakeholders are expected to explore practical solutions, share research findings, and strengthen collaborations that can be replicated across different regions in Africa.