The Agricultural Knowledge and Training Centre (AKTC) participated in the Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with its partners. The conference was held in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, from 3rd to 6th February 2026.
The event built on the outcomes of the Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization held in Rome in 2023 and responded to the call to scale up sustainable agricultural mechanization across Africa. It brought together a wide range of stakeholders to enhance regional collaboration, strengthen institutional frameworks, and promote knowledge exchange aimed at meeting the diverse needs of African farmers.
Aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the conference emphasized the critical role of innovation in transforming African agriculture through sustainable mechanization, digitalization, and inclusive business models.
AKTC was represented by its Machinery Expert, Mr. Martin Sikanyika, and contributed technically through a presentation on Mechanized Conservation Agriculture delivered by Dr. Simunji, AKTC’s Short-Term Expert. The presentation, supported by funding from the CAFM Project, highlighted key results achieved so far, demonstrating how appropriate mechanization can support conservation agriculture, improve efficiency, and enhance long-term soil health.
The four-day conference concluded with a field visit, during which participants visited a cooperative located approximately 75 kilometers south of Dar es Salaam. The visit provided practical insights into the application of sustainable mechanization solutions at community level.
AKTC’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting climate-smart, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural mechanization as a pathway to resilient food systems in Africa.
Photo credit: FAO
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