The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), through its Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), has announced plans to host the maiden International Conference on Climate-Smart Agriculture in partnership with the African Climate Research for Development (AFCR4D).
The landmark event is aimed at strengthening regional and global conversations around sustainable food production, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation, particularly in developing countries.
According to a memo signed by the Director of IFSERAR, Professor Olusegun Idowu, the conference is themed “Advancing Climate-Smart Innovation for a Resilient and Productive Agriculture in the Third World.” It is scheduled to hold between December 8 and 12, 2025, with daily sessions commencing at 10:00 a.m. at the university’s main campus in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, will serve as the Chief Host, while the conference is expected to draw policymakers, agricultural experts, development partners, and researchers from across Africa and beyond. The university described the gathering as a milestone in its commitment to advancing agricultural sustainability and climate adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa.
A lineup of distinguished scholars and industry leaders will feature as keynote speakers at the event. Among them are Professor Demola Braimoh, Professor Charles Anosike, Professor Olusegun Osinowo, Dr. Kashifu Abdullahi, and Dr. Adetunji Oredipe. These experts are expected to provide deep insights on emerging trends in climate-smart agricultural systems, innovations, and policy frameworks needed to strengthen food systems under changing environmental conditions.
Professor Idowu explained that the conference was designed as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, where scientists, innovators, and practitioners could address critical issues in agricultural adaptation to climate change. He noted that the event would underscore the need for integrating science, technology, and indigenous knowledge systems to achieve resilient food production across developing nations.
According to him, “The conference will foster cross-sectoral dialogue and showcase practical pathways to ensure food security in the face of climate challenges. Our objective is to advance collaborative research and innovation that promote both environmental sustainability and economic growth.”
Organizers disclosed that the conference would feature paper presentations, panel discussions, technical workshops, and exhibitions highlighting climate-resilient technologies and sustainable agricultural practices. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions designed to promote collaboration and partnership-building among institutions and stakeholders.
The event’s core objective, they noted, is to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the pressing impacts of climate change on agriculture, food systems, and livelihoods. Beyond the academic discussions, the conference seeks to translate scientific findings into actionable policies that can guide sustainable agricultural transformation across the Global South.
In addition, the conference is expected to provide a platform for young researchers and students to network with global experts, share innovative research findings, and explore career opportunities in the growing field of climate-smart agriculture.
FUNAAB’s collaboration with the African Climate Research for Development (AFCR4D) underscores the university’s growing leadership in advancing climate research and agricultural innovation in Africa. The AFCR4D initiative, which promotes scientific collaboration and capacity building across the continent, is recognized for its role in developing evidence-based solutions to climate challenges. Its involvement in this conference is anticipated to deepen the quality of discourse and broaden the reach of the outcomes.
Professor Idowu emphasized that the timing of the event is significant, given the increasing threats of erratic weather patterns, desertification, and flooding to food security and rural livelihoods in Africa. He added that the conference would highlight policy pathways and practical strategies that countries could adopt to ensure agricultural resilience and sustainability.
“Climate-smart agriculture represents the future of food production,” he said. “It integrates innovation, sustainability, and local adaptation to ensure that communities can thrive even under changing climate realities. FUNAAB is proud to lead this critical conversation at such a pivotal time.”
As preparations intensify, the organizers have urged researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in agriculture, environment, and climate policy to register early and participate actively. The conference promises to deliver actionable insights, promote data-driven decision-making, and foster long-term partnerships that will shape the future of climate-smart agriculture across Africa and other developing regions.
The university affirmed that the event aligns with Nigeria’s broader agenda of achieving sustainable food systems and contributing to global climate action goals through innovation, research, and collaborative engagement.
