A call for action to achieve food security on the African continent is the focus during the second Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) triennial conference that started in Windhoek on Monday. 

About a thousand delegates from across the world are attending the five-day conference. 

The conference brings together policymakers, including technical experts, higher education leaders in Africa, development partners, private sector leaders, researchers, innovators, students, and farmer organisations. 

During the official opening, the Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi, emphasised the use of science and technology in providing solutions for food security.

The conference is held in response to the pressing need for action by African governments, development partners, corporate sectors, and the general public to invest in agricultural higher education that is inclusive and sustainable.

The objective of the conference is to enable education and agriculture ecosystem actors to showcase and present their key findings and engage lead actors in policy and practice. 

Other aims are to promote international linkages and partnerships, provide a platform for discussions, and deliberate on the macro- and micro-needs to adapt smart operations. 

RUFORUM is based on adapting the forum strategy of linking university faculties and students with other African institutions as well as with smallholder farmers and other national innovation system actors.

The conference is held under the theme: Operationalising Higher Agricultural Education and Research Ecosystems for Innovation, Industrialisation, and Economic Development in Africa.