MASTIC

Agricultural research and innovation play pivotal roles in fostering resilient livelihoods, particularly in regions characterized by drylands. Drylands constitute 40% of the world’s land area, are home to approximately 2 billion individuals and encompass 44% of the world’s cultivated systems, supporting a diverse array of ecosystems, biodiversity, cultures and livelihoods. However, despite this, drylands are faced with a complex combination of climatic and anthropogenic challenges, which if left unaddressed may cause poverty, food insecurity, malnutrition, frequent droughts and environmental degradation. As the world strides into the epoch of the fourth industrial revolution, defined by innovation and cutting-edge industrial advancements, it becomes imperative not to exclude agricultural systems in drylands from this transformative drive. Drylands should become citadels of innovations and industrialisation activities that feed the globe rather than becoming fortresses of hunger and poverty or the chief recipient of aid. With appropriate investment in education, innovation, research and development, which embraces indigenous systems, drylands can feed the globe and provide adequate resources for industrialisation.

In this context, the Centre for Science & Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre) in partnership with the Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe will be organizing an International Workshop on “Agricultural Research and Innovation for Resilient Livelihoods in Drylands” during June 27-28, 2024 in Masvingo, Zimbabwe to facilitate knowledge-sharing among various scientists, researchers, development practitioners, research institutions, academia, civil society organizations, policymakers and other stakeholders to drive forward-thinking research agendas, facilitate technology transfer and promote inclusive innovation ecosystems tailored to the unique needs of dryland communities.

The primary objective of this Workshop is to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in dryland agriculture; to identify and prioritize research gaps and innovation needs to address key constraints to resilient livelihoods in drylands; to showcase successful case studies and best practices in agricultural research and innovation from dryland regions around the world; to promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable land management techniques tailored to the specific needs of dryland communities; to encourage interdisciplinary approaches to agricultural research and innovation that integrate scientific expertise, traditional knowledge, and community perspectives; and to strengthen partnerships between academia, research institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to support innovation and technology transfer in dryland agriculture.