In The Spotlight
At the UN Food Systems Summit +4 (UNFSS+4) Stocktaking Moment in Addis Ababa, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), QU Dongyu, urged global leaders to speed up the transformation of agrifood systems through bold action, increased investment, and stronger partnerships.
Speaking to ministers, leaders, and delegates, Qu stressed that agrifood systems play a key role in tackling global issues such as food insecurity, climate change, and inequality. “Transformation is not a distant ambition. It is already happening,” he said. “But the pace, scale, and coordination of our collective action will determine whether we succeed. The challenge now is not only action, but acceleration.”
Qu reflected on progress since the first UN Food Systems Summit in 2021. He noted that many countries have moved from promises to action, using policy changes, investments, and planning. Ethiopia was highlighted as a successful example, with FAO support helping cut post-harvest grain losses by up to 40% in some areas.
The Director-General identified three main areas to focus on for transformation:
1. Youth empowerment:
Qu stressed the need to support young people, especially young women, in agrifood systems. He cited FAO’s assessment on Youth in Agrifood Systems, noting that bridging gaps in education, jobs, and leadership could add up to US$1.5tn to global GDP—almost half coming from agrifood systems.
2. Innovation and technology:
Qu highlighted tools like the FAO-led Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) and the World Food Forum’s focus on investment, science, and youth empowerment. He also mentioned the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which uses data to target funding where it is most needed, growing from us$1.5bn in 2022 to US$4.5bn in 2024.
3. The Right to Food:
Qu emphasised that food system changes must be fair, transparent, and inclusive. He pointed to FAO’s support for the Global Alliance Against Poverty and Hunger, launched under Brazil’s G20 Presidency.
“We are making systems transformation the new normal — hand in hand with governments, investors, academia, civil society, and the private sector,” Qu added.
Ethiopia’s coffee sector is showing strong growth thanks to focused national efforts to boost production and productivity, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The announcement was made during a key forum held at the UNFSS+4 “Day of Action” summit, which featured visits to several food system transformation projects and a main event at the Science Museum on the future of Africa’s coffee industry.
Girma Amente, Ethiopia’s minister of agriculture, speaking at the forum, highlighted the central role coffee plays in the country and across Africa. He described coffee as much more than a crop—calling it a “strategic product intrinsically linked to history, identity, and economic development.”
The event focused on ways to transform Africa’s coffee value chain, with a strong call for more sustainable finance, better technology, and wider trade opportunities to help improve coffee production, processing, and value addition across the continent.
The high-level gathering included key global figures such as Amina J. Mohammed-UN Deputy Secretary-General, Jessica Alupo-Ugandan Vice President, Qu Dongyu-FAO Director-General , and Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation at Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Researchers, policymakers, and private sector representatives also took part.
Girma spoke of Ethiopia’s success in increasing coffee production by using climate-smart farming methods. He also pointed out the growing international demand for Ethiopian coffee and its importance for foreign exchange and national pride.
Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General added, “Coffee is the primary livelihood for millions, especially smallholder farmers.” She stressed the importance of investing in production, value addition, technology, and market expansion to improve lives and transform the sector.
Jessica Alupo, Ugandan Vice President noted coffee’s importance to African economies and identity. She outlined Uganda’s efforts to grow the sector sustainably and inclusively, and said research and innovation are needed to tackle climate change and improve quality.
Italy’s Stefano Gatti confirmed continued support for coffee programmes in Ethiopia and Uganda. He called for more international cooperation to address challenges and fully unlock the sector’s potential.
Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General said over 80% of smallholder farmers globally rely on coffee. He warned of the growing threats from climate change and price instability, and called for urgent global action to ensure farmers can benefit fairly from the coffee trade.
The forum, titled "Enhancing the Transformation of the Coffee Value Chain," was organised by the governments of Ethiopia and Italy, along with UNIDO, and the International and African Coffee Organizations.
South Africa’s Department of Agriculture has officially published new regulations for meat analogue products.
These rules, released in Government Gazette Notice R. 6436 on 18 July 2025, aim to bring clarity and consistency to the sale, labelling, and marketing of plant-based and other non-meat alternatives across the country.
The regulations are the result of thorough consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including those in the red meat industry. They set clear minimum standards for meat analogues, covering how products should be labelled and what they must contain to meet requirements.
According to the department, any product that uses terms such as “meat replacer,” “meat substitute,” “meat alternative,” or “plant-based protein” on the main label must contain at least 9% protein.
“The meat analogue products, also known as meat substitutes, mock meat, faux meat, or imitation meat, were initially defined in the Processed Meat Regulations as a product that approximates the aesthetic qualities (primary texture, flavour and appearance) and/or chemical characteristics of a specific type of meat,” the department said in a statement.
“These products are derived from non-meat ingredients, sometimes without dairy products and are available in different forms (coarse ground meat analogues, emulsified meat analogues and loose fill, etc.).”
The regulations also define what product names can be used. Names such as hot dogs, burgers, patties, sausages, schnitzels, and mince will be allowed for meat analogues, as long as the labelling clearly identifies the product as non-meat and helps consumers understand its true nature. Descriptive terms like frikkadel, nuggets, rounds, wheels, and sizzlers are also permitted.
However, the use of names or references that suggest a specific animal, such as “chicken-style,” “beef-style,” “chick’n,” or “b*con,” is not allowed under the Agricultural Product Standards Act of 1990.
Enforcement of the new rules will be managed by departmental inspectors, as no specific assignee has been appointed yet. The Food Safety Agency will oversee labelling compliance, and the Border Management Authority will ensure imported products follow the same regulations.
The department said the new rules should be welcomed by all industry players and consumers alike. “Consumers will enjoy the protection from the sale of misleading products. Furthermore, the publication of the Meat Analogue Products Regulations will foster confidence in the sale of meat analogues and meat products in South Africa.”

The 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria will take place in March 2026. (Image credit: Agrofood Nigeria)
The 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria 2026 will be held from 24th to 26th March at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.
This major event highlights the growing momentum of Nigeria's agrofood sector, offering a unique platform for industry leaders, suppliers, and professionals across the entire value chain to come together.
Organised by Fairtrade Messe in collaboration with Modion Communications, Agrofood Nigeria 2026 is set to be a key event, drawing thousands of participants from across Nigeria and West Africa. It will showcase innovation and provide opportunities for networking, business development, and knowledge sharing. This year’s event features focused partial fairs, offering specialised experiences in agriculture, food + bev tech, food ingredients, packaging, and food + hospitality. This allows professionals to explore specific sectors in depth.
A highlight of the 2026 edition is the Netherlands as the guest of honour, marking the strong partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands in the agrofood sector. This special designation will promote Dutch expertise and create valuable opportunities for collaboration between the two nations' agricultural stakeholders.
Key features of Agrofood Nigeria 2026 include:
- Increased regional reach with attendees from across West and Central Africa.
- Government participation, including ministries from both federal and Lagos State governments, demonstrating strong support for the event.
- National pavilions from countries such as China, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and South Africa, highlighting international collaboration.
- Over 100 global exhibitors showcasing tailored products and solutions for the Nigerian market.
- Insightful conference sessions, building on the success of 2025 with more speakers and networking opportunities.
- Co-location with WACCSE, promoting advancements in West Africa’s cold chain sector, enhancing technology and cooperation.
With support from over 20 respected organisations, including government agencies, international chambers, and trade bodies, Agrofood Nigeria 2026 cements its position as West Africa’s leading platform for innovation in the agrofood and packaging sectors.
Nigeria’s growing agrofood sector is reflected in its significant investments in food and packaging technology, making it one of Africa’s largest importers in this field. The Nigerian food market is projected to reach US$233.53bn by end of 2025, with a steady annual growth rate of over 10%, further boosting the importance of this key event.
Nigeria's ministry of livestock development is working with state governments, experts, and international partners to modernise the livestock sector and ensure sustainable pasture and fodder for farmers.
The new initiative, supported by the L-PRES project, aims to tackle the challenges facing pasturelands, including overgrazing, land degradation, and climate change.
A meeting held in Abuja brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including state governments, livestock experts, the World Bank, and the Israeli ministry of agriculture. The event, organized by L-PRES, focused on "technologies for sustainable pasture production and management in Nigeria."
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, minister of livestock development, said, "As we confront pressing challenges ranging from overgrazing and climate stress to rising tensions over scarce pasture resources, it has become evident that innovation and collaboration must be our most potent tools." He further highlighted that managing pasture sustainably is not just an agricultural issue but a means to promote environmental stewardship, social stability, and economic resilience.
Sanusi Abubakar, national coordinator of the L-PRES project, pointed out that pasturelands are essential for livestock production but face growing threats and said, "These challenges not only affect productivity but also contribute to conflicts over scarce resources." Nigeria is now looking at climate-smart and technology-driven solutions to restore and sustainably manage its pasture ecosystems.
The meeting explored various innovative technologies, such as GIS, remote sensing, and precision irrigation, to improve pasture management. Experts also discussed best practices in rangeland and soil health management, sustainable pasture enterprises, and policy frameworks for long-term success.
Israel expressed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s livestock sector. Daniel Werner, head of foreign relations of Israeli ministry of agriculture, said,"Israel has developed technologies that can help modernize Nigeria's livestock sector."
Livestock farmers welcomed the initiative but called for a sustainable development model that benefits both farmers and investors. Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril, the Emir of Nasarawa, urged experts to avoid past mistakes, such as those made with cassava farming, where farmers were encouraged to invest without sufficient market opportunities.
Some L-PRES participating states, like Borno and Gombe, have appealed to investors by offering incentives, such as free land ownership titles in Borno for anyone interested in investing in the state's 180 square kilometres of grazing land.

As 2.6 bn people still cannot afford a healthy diet, this year’s report also explores food inflation.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for faster, more inclusive global action to tackle hunger and malnutrition.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General stressed the need for urgent and united efforts to address the uneven progress being made.
This year’s SOFI report was presented for the first time in Africa, at an event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—a fitting choice as Africa continues to suffer the most from food insecurity.
The 2025 report shows a small global improvement, with hunger rates dropping slightly from 8.5% in 2023 to 8.2% in 2024. However, this progress hides major regional differences. Hunger is decreasing in Asia and Latin America but worsening in Africa, where 307 million people—about 20% of the population—are food insecure. It’s predicted that by 2030, Africa will make up nearly 60% of the global population facing chronic hunger.
“Recovery must be inclusive - we cannot accept a future where entire regions are left behind,” said Qu.
The launch event was attended by high-level figures including Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Taye Atske-Selassie, Ethiopia’s President, and Edmondo Cirielli, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister. Mohammed said: “Knowledge is power. Today’s launch of the SOFI report delivers sobering insights and the power to act,” adding that conflict must give way to cooperation to fix fragile food systems.
The Ethiopian President called the report “a compelling call for action,” saying it provides guidance for both short-term fixes and long-term solutions. Italy’s Cirielli stressed that food security is central not only to diet, but to the well-being of economies, societies, and global health.
The SOFI 2025 report—produced jointly by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO—paints a troubling picture. Since 2020, 90 million more people face hunger, and 100 mn more than in 2015. In 2024, 2.3 billion people were moderately or severely food insecure.
Malnutrition trends are mixed. While child stunting has decreased slightly, wasting has not improved. Anaemia among women aged 15–49 has risen from 27.6% to 30.7%, and adult obesity increased from 12.1% in 2012 to 15.8% in 2022—highlighting the “double burden” of malnutrition.
New indicators in the 2025 report show poor diet diversity: only one-third of young children and two-thirds of women meet the minimum standards. “Much more must be done to expand access to nutritious, diverse diets for all - especially women and children,” Qu said.
As 2.6 bn people still cannot afford a healthy diet, this year’s report also explores food inflation. Since 2020, food prices have risen faster than general inflation, further revealing weaknesses in the food system.
“In the face of global disruptions, protectionist or inward-looking policies are counterproductive. What we need is coordinated global action—based on shared responsibility, solidarity, and sound evidence,” Qu said.
The FAO calls for “urgency, inclusiveness, and action” to ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to nutritious food. “Let us act now—not just with ambition, but with determination—to achieve Zero Hunger, leaving no one behind.”
HORSCH has launched the new Fortis LT, expanding its successful range of universal cultivators.
Designed for medium-sized farms, the Fortis LT is made for tractors with up to 500 hp and comes in four working widths, ranging from 4.60m to 6.75m. It offers flexibility for both shallow and deep cultivation, working at depths of up to 30cm.
Built with strength and efficiency in mind, the Fortis LT meets the demands of modern tractors and heavy crop residues. The robust 4-bar frame, combined with 27cm tine spacing and 85cm frame height, ensures a large clearance for smooth operation without blockages. This design allows for a strong mixing effect and reliable incorporation of materials during soil preparation.
The Fortis LT features HORSCH’s proven TerraGrip tine system, designed with large shaft radii for lower power requirements. Compared to the existing Fortis AS model, the LT version is shorter and more compact, improving handling and manoeuvrability.
One standout feature is the positioning of the levelling tools close to the final tine row. This design guides the soil flow directly into the levelling discs, resulting in improved levelling and soil finish. The chassis is located outside the working area, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with soil movement or performance.
HORSCH offers several customisation options to suit different farming needs. The well-known MulchMix coulter system is compatible with a variety of coulter and wing types, increasing the machine's versatility. Farmers can also choose from a wide range of packer options, depending on soil type and conditions.
The angle of the double packers can be adjusted using HORSCH’s unique aluminium clip system, which is a standout feature in this class of equipment. This adjustment lets users set the right contact pressure for the packer roller, improving soil consolidation in dry weather and load-bearing in wetter conditions. It ensures better results and stability across different field conditions.
With its compact build, strong performance, and flexible setup, the Fortis LT is a practical solution for medium-power tractors. It brings together proven technology with new features to meet the evolving demands of modern agriculture.