The Université Alassane Ouattara (UAO) in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire, is set to host an international colloquium on the future of African agriculture from November 2-4, 2026. The event, themed "Repenser le développement agricole à l’ère du changement climatique et de l’intelligence artificielle" (Rethinking Agricultural Development in the Era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence), will bring together decision-makers, researchers, students, and rural stakeholders. Organized by the UAO's Centre de recherche pour le développement (CRD), the Centre national de recherche agronomique (CNRA), and AfricaRice, the colloquium aims to address the challenges facing African agriculture.
The colloquium's president, Dr. Edouard Kouassi, announced the event during a press conference on the UAO campus on October 31, 2026. Dr. Kouassi stated that around 120 communications have been received from researchers across several countries, including France, Morocco, Senegal, Congo, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, and Mali. These contributions will focus on four main areas: agricultural policies, structural challenges, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
The event's themes will also cover agricultural financing, rural land management, and the integration of artificial intelligence and digital innovations in agriculture. According to Dr. Kouassi, the colloquium seeks to find innovative solutions to support producers facing climate change and technological advancements. The goal is to develop resilient agricultural practices and adapt to the changing climate.
Coulibaly Noupé Diakaria, head of the CNRA's vegetable and protein crop program, emphasized that the colloquium's outcome should be a roadmap for consolidating the partnership between the organizing institutions. This roadmap will outline the design and implementation of joint projects addressing rural challenges. Diakaria stressed the importance of a clear plan to measure the partnership's effectiveness and define joint project implementation.
The colloquium is expected to provide a platform for students, researchers, decision-makers, and rural stakeholders to engage in discussions on African agriculture's future prospects. With climate change and artificial intelligence transforming the agricultural landscape, the event aims to generate innovative ideas and solutions. By bringing together experts from various fields, the colloquium hopes to contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Africa.
According to the organizers, the event will facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants. The discussions will focus on finding practical solutions to the challenges facing African agriculture. By sharing knowledge and expertise, the colloquium aims to promote collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.
The international colloquium on the future of African agriculture is a significant initiative, given the continent's reliance on agriculture as a primary source of livelihood. With the global population projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, Africa's agricultural sector must adapt to meet the increasing demand for food. The event's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and policies in Africa.
Key points
- The colloquium will address the challenges facing African agriculture, including climate change and the integration of artificial intelligence.
- Around 120 communications have been received from researchers across several countries.
- The event aims to generate a roadmap for consolidating the partnership between the organizing institutions and promoting sustainable agricultural development in Africa.
