The Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA), Cosmopolitan University Abuja, proudly participated in Africa Agriculture Science Week 2026 (AASW9) through the official side event, “Beyond Productivity: Building Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Food Systems for Africa’s Future,” held on 27 July 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.

The high-level dialogue brought together distinguished academics, researchers, policymakers, agricultural experts, development practitioners, innovators, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to examine how the continent can transform its agrifood systems beyond conventional agricultural productivity.

A key highlight of the event was the contribution of Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Cosmopolitan University Abuja and Chief Executive Officer of CCSA, who spoke on “Climate-Smart Agriculture and Innovation for Africa’s Food Systems.”

Dr. Kanya emphasised the critical role of research, scientific knowledge, digital innovation and technology in developing practical solutions that strengthen climate resilience, improve farmers’ livelihoods, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable development across Africa.

The event also benefited from the valuable contributions of CCSA experts, including Dr. Badaru Yahaya Usman and Dr. Gidado M. J., alongside other distinguished African and international experts.

The dialogue featured contributions from Prof. Frederick Nwosu, Dr. Ingrid Epezagne, Prof. Jeff Camkin of The University of Western Australia, Dr. Clement Adjorlolo of AUDA-NEPAD, Mr. Ebrima Jarra of The Soil Solution, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, Mr. Philemon Kyaharkat Mutang, Prof. Anastasia Oniah-Ashi, Dr. Nkiruka Stella Okonkwo, and Prof. Olawale Emmanuel Olayide, among others.

The discussions underscored a fundamental priority for Africa: agricultural transformation must move beyond productivity alone and embrace resilience, inclusion, innovation, sustainability and climate adaptation.

For CCSA, this aligns directly with its commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture, applied research, digital agricultural innovation, capacity development and evidence-based solutions that respond to the evolving challenges facing Africa’s food systems.

The Centre sincerely appreciates the Incubateur Réseaux et Entreprises Agricoles (AIRE) and the International Institute for African Scholars (IIAS) for their partnership and leadership in convening this important dialogue, as well as UburuTV, distinguished speakers, panelists, delegates, partners and stakeholders whose contributions made the event meaningful and impactful.

As Africa confronts increasing pressures from climate change, food insecurity, environmental degradation and changing agricultural realities, CCSA remains committed to supporting research-driven innovation and strengthening partnerships that translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions for farmers, communities and institutions across the continent.

The Centre is honoured to have contributed to this important continental conversation and looks forward to deepening collaboration towards a resilient, inclusive, climate-smart and sustainable future for Africa’s agrifood systems.

Beyond productivity. Towards resilience. Towards sustainability. Towards a food-secure Africa.

Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA)
Cosmopolitan University Abuja