African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS)

African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS)

 AFAAS originated from the 1st Regional Networking Symposium on Innovations in AAS, which took place in Kampala, Uganda from 11th to 14th October 2004. During this symposium, representatives from Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda came together to form SSANAAS. These countries recognized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of agricultural advisory services.Following the success of the inaugural symposium, a second gathering was held in Kampala from 24th to 27th September 2006. This time, additional African countries such as Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia joined the network. With the inclusion of these nations, the membership of SSANAAS expanded to fourteen African countries. During the second symposium, it became evident that the network’s influence should extend beyond Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and cover the entire African continent. In light of this decision, the organization underwent a name change and emerged as the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS). AFAAS was established as the successor to SSANAAS, serving as a permanent replacement and representing the collective interests of agricultural advisory services in Africa. Recognizing the need for a formal structure, AFAAS was legally founded in Uganda as a non-governmental organization (NGO) under the name African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS). As an influential organization in the agricultural sector, AFAAS strives to promote knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovation in agricultural advisory services across Africa. The forum serves as a platform for agricultural experts, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop sustainable solutions to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector. AFAAS focuses on enhancing the effectiveness and impact of agricultural advisory services by facilitating dialogue, fostering partnerships, and promoting the adoption of best practices. Through its extensive network of member countries and partners, the organization works towards improving farmer livelihoods, food security, and rural development in Africa. With its commitment to excellence, AFAAS remains at the forefront of promoting innovation and knowledge transfer in the field of agricultural advisory services. By harnessing the collective expertise of its members and leveraging partnerships, AFAAS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural landscape of Africa.