Canisius Kanangire, executive director of the AATF, gave the advice at the opening ceremony of the IFAJ World Congress of Agricultural Journalists 2025 on Wednesday in Kenya.
He said that accurate science reporting was crucial, as its impact extended beyond fields and laboratories.
Kanangire, represented by Vitumbiko Chinoko, project manager of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), AATF, said the convergence of technology, media and innovation offered Africa an unprecedented opportunity to excel.
He said the media were catalysts of transformation, adding that the IFAJ recognised the crucial role they play in shaping how Africa understands and embraces innovation.
Kanangire acknowledged that without the media, many scientific breakthroughs would remain confined to research stations. He said with their help, innovations travel across borders, inspiring confidence and empowering communities.
Kanangire said that over the past decades, AATF had positioned itself as a bridge between innovation and impact, connecting world-class research to the realities of African smallholder farmers.
“Through partnerships, we have enabled equitable access to climate-smart and biotechnology solutions, improved seeds, and mechanisation tools that are transforming agricultural systems across 24 African countries. Our mission has always been clear: to transform the livelihoods of African farmers through innovative agricultural technologies,’’ he said.
Kanangire explained that the foundation not only delivers better technologies but also supports the development of enabling policies, strengthens institutions, and builds the capacity of those who work daily to feed Africa.
According to the AATF executive director, the current narrative of the foundation highlights collaboration, conviction, and immeasurable impact. He assured that as the foundation continued to expand its reach to more farmers and countries, it considered the media a vital partner in accelerating Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Kanangire said AATF would build journalists’ capacity to understand and report on complex scientific and technological advances with accuracy and context. He said it would also use platforms like the IFAJ to showcase its innovations, partnerships, and farmer success stories that inspire confidence in African science and technology.
According to him, it would also co-create communication initiatives, from farmer-centred documentaries to policy dialogues and digital storytelling, which amplify Africa’s progress toward food and nutrition security.
The IFAJ is a global, non-political, non-profit organisation representing over five thousand agricultural communicators in 60 countries.
The theme of the 2025 congress is ‘Unlocking the Agricultural Potential in the Cradle of Mankind’.
