CABI

08/09/2026

🌍What a week at The Africa Food Systems Forum - AGRF (AFSF) 2026 for CABI!

From panel discussions and speaking sessions to high-level networking, a busy exhibition booth, and meaningful conversations, the Forum reinforced the power of partnerships and the importance of working collectively to transform food systems in Africa.

A few key highlights:

🎙️9 speaking sessions from Daniel Elger, Henry Mibei, Martin Parr, Violet Ochieng, Phyllis Ombonyo, Monica Kansiime, Dora Shimbwambwa covering digital innovation, soil health, youth leadership, AI, women in agrifood systems, youth climate action, creating jobs and more
🤝Extensive engagement with donors, partners, Member Countries, and prospective Member Countries to understand and respond to their priorities.
🌱A productive AIRCA meeting where the key takeaway was stronger agricultural partnerships to help scale solutions

A huge thank you to everyone who engaged with us at this important event and to AFS Forum for hosting such a successful and impactful event.

As we reflect on an inspiring week in Kigali, we're excited to build on these connections and continue working with partners to tackle challenges in agriculture and the environment, helping to improve livelihoods and create sustainable impact worldwide.

08/09/2026

🤝 Did you read our recent blog on how partnerships are helping strengthen sustainable agriculture across Southeast Asia?

As climate change, invasive pests and other challenges continue to impact farming systems, collaboration is key to building resilient and productive agriculture for the future.

📖 Find out more: https://ow.ly/ocyR50ZIlNS

08/09/2026

📢 Consultancy Opportunity

🟢 Agricultural Economist (Consultant) – Remote

Under the PlantwisePlus programme, CABI is seeking a skilled and experienced Agricultural Economist for a short-term consultancy (running until mid-November 2026) to support cost-benefit analyses of selected interventions in Pakistan and Kenya.

We're looking for someone who can:

✔️ Review and finalise cost-benefit analyses (CBAs)
✔️ Work closely with CABI technical experts
✔️ Assess the impact of PlantwisePlus interventions
✔️ Contribute to evidence-based programme delivery
✔️ Deliver high-quality analysis and reporting

Find out more and apply 🔗

Under the PlantwisePlus programme, CABI is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Agricultural Economist to provide short-term technical support in conducting cost-benefit analysis (CBA) assessment of PlantwisePlus’ selected interventions.

07/09/2026

🐝 Tiny wasps are making a big difference for papaya farmers in East Africa.

Through PlantwisePlus, the biological control agent Acerophagus papayae is helping to suppress papaya mealybug, a devastating invasive pest. In Kenya, a recent study found yields increased by 19%, sales by 18%, and household incomes by 57% following its introduction.

A great example of how nature-based solutions can support both livelihoods and biodiversity.

Read more 🔗https://ow.ly/HHky50ZIlqv

Learn how PlantwisePlus is using biocontrol to reduce the spread of papaya mealybug, increase yields, and boost farmers’ incomes.

04/09/2026

🌍 As another AFS Forum comes to an end, we'd like to thank everyone who joined our sessions, visited the CABI stand and got involved in the conversations throughout the week.

Following his session, Henry Mibei reflected on one of the key themes that emerged: the need to connect existing digital tools and systems, rather than constantly creating new ones.

Watch the video for his insights on how better-connected digital infrastructure can help deliver lasting benefits for farmers and communities across Africa 👇

03/09/2026

We were delighted to meet with the Hon. Minister Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), at the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum.

It was a valuable opportunity to discuss how CABI and Rwanda can deepen collaboration around our shared goals, and how science, innovation and technology can help drive sustainable agricultural development and food systems transformation.

We look forward to building on this and strengthening our partnership to increase our reach and impact on the ground.

03/09/2026

📸 Day 2 highlights from the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026

Yesterday, the CABI team discussed topics ranging from inclusive food systems and youth climate action, to conversations around soil health, AI and data-driven decision-making.

The team also spent the day connecting with many partners, colleagues and visitors at the CABI stand, including IFDC

A special thank you to Monica Kansiime, Dora Shimbwambwa and Martin Parr for representing CABI across the Forum, and to everyone who joined our sessions, visited the stand and shared their perspectives.

See some of our favourite moments from the day below 👇

03/09/2026

🔬 A major milestone for invasive species management in North America.

Canada has released the first-ever biological control agent against invasive common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), following more than 20 years of research and international collaboration.

CABI scientists played a key role in identifying and testing Microplontus millefolii, a stem-mining weevil that specifically targets common tansy without harming non-target plants. Now released in Canada, the weevil is expected to help reduce the weed's spread and support the recovery of native biodiversity.

This achievement highlights the power of long-term partnerships and nature-based solutions in tackling invasive species.

Read more: https://ow.ly/rSwz50ZIkZ6

02/09/2026

🌍 Another inspiring day at AFS Forum 2026.

Today has been packed with conversations on digital innovation, inclusive food systems, youth empowerment and the partnerships needed to turn ideas into action. Thank you to everyone who joined our sessions, visited the CABI stand and took the time to share their perspectives with us.

Tomorrow, we're looking forward to continuing the conversation, including sessions on:

✅Creating Jobs Through Value Addition with Violet Ochieng at the Youth Dome

✅Discussions on innovation, youth leadership and opportunities across agricultural value chains

If you're at AFSF, be sure to stop by the CABI stand and say hello.

See you on Day 3!

02/09/2026

Scaling biological control requires effective IPM practices, pest monitoring, conservation of beneficial insects, farmer training, and access to reliable information. Insights shared by experts demonstrate how these critical steps drive the global adoption of sustainable crop protection.

According to experts, effective adoption depends directly on three key factors:
🔎 Access to reliable information: Using trusted resources like the CABI BioProtection Portal to find registered solutions.
📗 Strong farmer support: Expanding training to build confidence and practical knowledge.
🌱 Proven field results: Demonstrating success through pest monitoring and the conservation of beneficial insects.

Read more: https://ow.ly/ZIVZ50ZFasp

Learn practical lessons for scaling biological control across global farming systems, from IPM and pest monitoring to beneficial insects.