1. Introduction

The Second Rwanda Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Conference 2024 builds upon the success of the first Rwanda STI conference 2022 held in March-April 2022 at Kigali Convention Center (KCC), Rwanda, which focused on leveraging the potential for Science and Technology to mitigate challenges associated with COVID-19 pandemic in developing countries. This 2^nd Rwanda STI conference 2024 focuses on “Promoting Climate Resilient Agriculture Through Science, Technology and Innovation for Improved Food Security and Nutrition”.  The conference 2024 will feature a comprehensive high-quality technical program including oral and poster presentations from accepted papers, exhibitions, and awarding of best papers and exhibitors. Furthermore, the conference will include attractive program aimed at practitioners, with keynote speeches and panel discussions from prominent research, industry and government leaders, business and technological exhibits.

2. Background

Growing demand for food is a key driver of global environment change. Food production all over the globe is not only a source of global environmental change, but is also strongly affected by it. Further, agriculture is primarily challenged by climate change; the related increase in natural disasters such as floods, tropical storms, long periods of drought and new pests and diseases are the most relevant drivers of food insecurity. Across all countries, people living in rural areas, in particular in Africa, are the most exposed to food insecurity, owing to limited access to food and financial resources. One of the global efforts to address the challenges of food security is the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, Goal 2 (Zero hunger) of the SDGs, which includes three interrelated components: ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, as well as promoting sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, the role of science, technology, research and innovation continues to be more required for global social economic development and transformation of nations. Moreover, STI provides fundamental tools for transformation of wealth creation, improvement of the quality of life and real economic growth and transformation in any society. Thus, achieving SDGs, in particular zero hunger by 2030 will require new and existing applications of STI across the food system, addressing all dimensions of food security.

In this regards, the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) in collaboration with national stakeholders, regional and international partners is organizing the 2^nd Rwanda STI Conference 2024 with aim to leverage opportunities of STI to accelerate agriculture and food transformation towards food security and sustainable development.

3. Conference Objectives

The 2^nd Rwanda STI conference 2024 aims to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to present new research results and developments in areas of promoting climate resilient agriculture through STI for improved food security and nutrition. The conference will also bring together scientists, practitioners and policy makers to deliberate and looking forward to speed up the process of adopting STI for agriculture and food system transformation through exchange of scientific, innovation and technology expertise.

Specifically, the following are the goals of the 2^nd Rwanda STI Conference 2024:

• Present the recent research development and findings in areas of climate resilient agriculture through STI for improved food security and nutrition.
• Deliberate strategies on the applications, use and adoption of STI to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security in Rwanda and globally.
• Examine innovative approaches in modern agriculture that leverage the potential of emerging technologies to enhance crop yields, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Shape sustainable solutions, policies and strategies to inform future research and scientific development, thereby enhancing its impact on sustainable agriculture development.
• Explore climate-resilient agricultural technologies, adoption of data-driven agriculture, and their incorporation as the next frontier in agriculture, leading to improved sustainable and equitable agricultural value chains and systems, ensuring food security and nutrition.
• Create opportunities for young scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs, and promote international cooperation in STI towards knowledge development and sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building, aiming to enhance sustainable development on an international level.

4. Conference Expected Outcomes

The conference will bring together stakeholders from academia, industry, government, policy makers, development partners, to discuss on strategies to improve the integration and use/applications of existing and emerging technologies for agriculture development and climate responsiveness towards agrifood system transformation, food security and nutrition. In addition, the conference will provide a platform for experts from all over the world to share knowledge and experiences, identify challenges, and propose practical solutions to improve food security and promote sustainable development in Rwanda and beyond. Further, the 2^nd Rwanda STI Conference 2024 will feature high-quality abstracts/papers and poster presentations from accepted papers, and the authors of best papers will be awarded. In addition, the accepted papers will be invited for publications in the identified high ranked international journal. Moreover, the conference includes keynote speeches and panel discussions from invited globally renowned scholars, practitioners, and scientific leaders. The 2^nd Rwanda STI Conference 2024 is also an opportunity to network, share ideas and establish collaborations among the participants from academia, government, private sector and industry.

In particular, the following are the conference expected outcomes:

• Identified innovative STI-driven approaches in modern agriculture, and its crucial role in enhancing climate-resilient agriculture, improving crop yields, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainable farming practices for food security and nutrition in Rwanda and globally.
• Improved awareness of emerging technologies and data sharing strategies for advancing sustainable and equitable agricultural value chains and systems, thereby enhancing food security and nutrition.
• Created platform for fostering collaboration among researchers, young scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders for knowledge sharing, technology transfer, capacity building initiatives and experiences regarding STI’s role in mitigating climate change and promoting food security.
• Recommended policies and strategies to promote STI adoption in agriculture, enhancing its impact on sustainable development.
• Enhanced international research collaboration and cooperation to identify challenges and propose practical solutions for sustainable development both in Rwanda and globally
• Publish accepted papers in a high ranked international journal
• Provide awards to authors of best papers in the category of:

1. Best oral presenter Award
2. Best exhibitor Award
3. Best female presenter Award
4. Best Poster Award
5. Rising Star Award

Conference Thematic Areas for Paper Submission:

The 2^nd Rwanda STI Conference 2024 aims at advancing research covering topics ranging from climate resilient agriculture and food security issues to emerging technologies applications. Scientific and technology applications that can address various aspects of food security (e.g., availability, access, use/utilization and stability) linked to climate resilient are highly encouraged. Authors are invited to submit original abstracts/papers that have not been published or submitted for publication elsewhere.

5.1 Thematic areas of Interest:

We seek scientific contributions in the following topics, but not limited to:

• Biotechnologies: This includes diverse technologies from low-technology such as artificial insemination, fermentation techniques, bio-fertilizers and nuclear techniques, to high-technologies involving advanced DNA-base methodologies.
• Mechanization and irrigation technologies: This includes studies that encompass techniques, methods, processes, and technologies used to artificially apply water to assist in the growing of crops and pastures, and food production.
• Food processing and production technologies: This includes studies on the use of methods and techniques involving equipment and tools to transform agricultural products such as grains, meats, vegetables, fruits, and milk into ingredients or proceeded food products.
• Climate-smart farming techniques and environmental impact: This includes development of climate change resistant crops, precision agriculture and precision irrigation methods, agroforestry and agricultural systems that enhance resilience against extreme weather events.
• Technology for sustainable agriculture and climate prediction: This includes topics on sustainable climate resilient and agriculture such as remote sensing techniques, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, big data analytics, climate patterns predictive models, climate change detection and early warning systems. sustainable climate resilient and agriculture.
• Genetic strategies for improved crop yields: This include studies to enhance sustainable crop production and resilience in a changing climate, genetic modifications and breeding strategies for climate change, climatic stress and disease management, post-green revolution challenges.
• Policy and socioeconomic implications: this includes studies on socioeconomic impact of policies on farming communities, food regulations and quality enhancement, access to resources and market opportunities; increase investments in agricultural R&D at the global and national levels; strengthen the enabling environment for agriculture and food security. Further, topics that explore the linkages between climate change, food systems, with reference to human health, equity and gender diversity and inclusivity are considered.

5.2 Submission Guidelines:

Authors are invited to submit original abstracts that have not been published or submitted for publication elsewhere. After review and notification, authors with accepted abstracts will be invited for full paper submission for publication in the identified high ranked international journal subject to meeting publication’s score and quality requirements of the journal.

All abstracts must be filled in this template, and must be submitted electronically in MS Word document format on Research and Innovation Grant Management System (RIGMS). Details on about submission instructions is available on the conference website: https://conference.ncst.gov.rw/. 

All submissions will be subject to peer reviews and accepted abstracts/papers will be presented through oral and poster presentations during the conference. Note that the acceptance of the papers submitted will be based on quality, relevance and originality.

6. Conference Keynotes Speeches, Panel Discussions and Guidelines

The 2^nd Rwanda STI Conference 2024 includes attractive program aimed at prationners, with keynote speeches and panel discussions from prominent research, industry and government leaders, business and technological exhibits. The goal of the keynote speeches is to provide to the conference audience (comprising high-level national, regional, and international leaders, private sector representatives, academic, researchers, students, farmer cooperatives, environmentalists, forestry and agro-forestry experts, policymakers, and NGOs) with a comprehensive understanding of climate change and its impact on agriculture and food security.

6.1 Keynote Addresses:

There will be 4 keynote speeches under the following the sub-themes/ Topics.

Keynote address 1:

Topic: Promoting sustainable climate-resilient agriculture practices for food systems

Invited Keynote speaker Speaker: Prof. Eugenie Kayitesi, Professor of Biotechnology at University of Pretoria

Purpose: The goal is to discuss impact of climate change on agriculture, and progress made for climate change responsiveness to improve the adaptation of agri-food and farming systems.

The keynote speaker will cover the following topics, but not limited to: 

• Global climate change and regional impacts: The contributions should delve into a comprehensive understanding of global climate change and its repercussions at the regional level
• International mitigation and adaptation measures: Emphasis should be placed on discerning global measures taken to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• Strategies to promote food systems in Africa: this may include strategies and adaptation measures for leveraging agriculture transformation for industrial agriculture development, food production and processing, and nutrition in Africa.

Keynote address 2:

Topic: Strategies and practices for improving food processing, storage and access to market

Invited Keynote speaker: Dr. Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director of the African Agriculture Technology Foundation (AATF)

Purpose: In this world grappling with burgeoning population and dynamic environmental challenges, it is very imperative to improve food processing, storage, and access to markets. This keynote address 2 seeks to explore transformative strategies and innovations that can revolutionize the way we produce, preserve, and distribute food, ensuring global food security and sustainability with focus on food processing, storage, and market access, and chart a course towards a more resilient and efficient global food supply chain.

The keynote speaker will cover the following topics, but not limited to: 

• Technological innovations in food processing: Explore cutting-edge technologies that optimize the processing of raw materials into consumable products. From precision agriculture to smart processing techniques, delve into innovations that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the nutritional quality of food.
• Revolutionizing storage solutions: Examine breakthroughs in food storage methodologies that extend shelf life, minimize post-harvest losses, and enhance overall food safety. Cold chain technologies, smart packaging, and sustainable storage solutions will be key focal points, ensuring that food reaches consumers in the best possible condition.
• Access to markets and distribution networks: Address challenges related to accessibility and affordability of food by discussing strategies to improve market access. From rural communities to urban centers, explore inclusive distribution networks, transportation innovations, and market infrastructure development that can bridge gaps and create a more equitable food distribution system.
• Sustainability and environmental impact: Highlight initiatives that promote sustainable food systems, considering the environmental impact of food processing, storage, and distribution. From eco-friendly packaging to energy-efficient processing, discuss how innovations in these areas contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food supply chain.

Keynote address 3:

Topic: Big Data – Small Farms! Matching Expectations and Realities for Resilient Agriculture

Invited Keynote speaker: Emeritus Professor Ken Giller, Plant Production Systems, Wageningen University, The Netherlands

Purpose: Data-driven agriculture beyond the technological developments has become a growth area, driving expectations and investments in big data, blockchain technology, precision agriculture, farmer profiling and e-extension. Thus, investing in innovative technologies and data-driven agriculture is expected to increase agricultural production and productivity, help adapt to or mitigate the effects of climate change, bring about more economic and efficient use of natural resources, reduce risk and improve resilience in farming, and make agri-food market chains much more efficient. The African agricultural sector faces urgent challenges to provide the rapidly-growing population with an abundant supply of nutritious food while protecting the natural environment and coping with the impacts of climate change. Large strides have been made in agricultural technologies for food production – One would argue that research has largely solved the technical problems of how to produce sufficient food sustainably. The real challenge facing policy makers, researchers and implementers today, is how to put that knowledge effectively into practice.

Drawing on examples from recent research in East Africa, Dr. Ken Giller will discuss the advances that have been made, and the challenges that remain for the future. In particular there is great interest in “data-driven agriculture” which will be the focus of the talk. We are now able to produce accurate spatial analysis of climate, soils and vegetation. Yet to capture locally-induced variation due to current and past management remains a challenge. This means that maps are useful when considering district or village level but very difficult to scale down to precise advice for tailoring technologies at the field and farm level. Many initiatives are currently developing ICT applications to communicate and provide detailed up-to-date information for farmers, yet implementation and use of these applications remains scarce. Some research for example in Uganda reveals that the information provided does not necessarily meet the immediate interest of the intended users. Promising approaches, include bundling of technologies and the use of radio and ICT to facilitate two-way exchange of information. These can assist in overcoming knowledge barriers as well as transaction costs due to scattered production and imperfect markets, and support development of resilient agriculture. 

Keynote address 4 :

Topic: Harvesting the Future: Applications of AI and Emerging Technologies in Revolutionizing Agriculture

Invited Keynote speaker: Dr. Hakizumwami Birali Runesham, Associate Vice President for Research Computing, Director, Research Computing Center. The University of Chicago, IL, US

Purpose: The keynote will explore how AI and emerging technologies are transforming agriculture by enhancing productivity, optimizing resource use, and promoting sustainable practices. It will highlight cutting-edge innovations that empower farmers, improve food security, and mitigate environmental impact. The talk will provide insights into how these technologies shape the future of agriculture, addressing both challenges and opportunities for growth.

Dr. Bilari’s presentation will explore the critical role AI and emerging technologies are playing in revolutionizing agriculture in response to increasing global food demand and escalating environmental challenges. As agriculture stands on the cusp of a technological revolution, this talk will examine how innovations like precision farming, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced data analytics are reshaping food production, management, and sustainability. Dr. Bilari will highlight how AI-powered tools are optimizing resource allocation, enabling data-driven decisions, and promoting sustainable farming practices that are more efficient and resilient.

From leveraging predictive analytics to better anticipate weather patterns and crop health, to using IoT-enabled devices for monitoring and automating farm operations, the presentation will showcase the diverse applications of these technologies in enhancing productivity across the sector. However, Dr. Bilari will also emphasize that with these advancements come significant challenges. Infrastructure gaps, digital literacy, and ethical considerations, such as data privacy and equitable access, must be addressed to ensure these technologies benefit all stakeholders and create sustainable solutions for global food security. This presentation will provide insights into how AI and emerging technologies can overcome these obstacles and help transform agriculture for the future, offering a balanced view of the opportunities and hurdles in revolutionizing the food systems.

Keynote address 5:

Topic: Promoting gender and social equity in Agriculture

Invited Keynote speaker: Dr. Peter Minang, Director for Africa and Global Coordinator, ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins at CIFOR-ICRAF

Purpose: Underscoring the significance of supportive policies and institutions that encourage equitable participation in climate-resilient agriculture is critical. That is, the integration of gender and social equity considerations into research and policies related to climate-resilient agriculture is of utmost importance. Thus, placing a stronger focus on gender and social equity within the agricultural sphere is crucial. This may involve addressing common obstacles, engaging men and allies in advocating for gender and social equity, and emphasizing the importance of collecting gender-disaggregated data and visual aids. In addition, there is a need to raise awareness about the crucial impact of gender and social equity in agricultural activities, and to emphasize the incorporation of incentive strategies and technological progress, inspiring concrete actions that support and promote gender and social equity in the pursuit of climate-resilient agriculture, improved food security, and nutrition.

The keynote speaker will cover the following topics, but not limited to: 

• Land ownership and control: Investigate the extent of gender disparities in land ownership and control, and analyze the impact on agricultural productivity and household well-being. Research could explore policies and interventions that promote equitable land access for women and marginalized groups.
• Financial inclusion: Examine the access to credit, savings, and other financial resources for women in agriculture. Research might focus on understanding the barriers women face in accessing financial services and the impact of financial inclusion on their ability to invest in and expand agricultural activities.
• Technology adoption: Investigate the adoption of agricultural technologies and innovations by women farmers. Research in this area may explore the factors influencing technology adoption, the impact on productivity, and the role of extension services in facilitating technology transfer to women.
• Market participation and value chains:
• Market access: Research that focus on the challenges women face in accessing agricultural markets, including transportation, market information, and fair pricing. Analyze the impact of improved market access on women’s income, decision-making power, and overall well-being.
• Value chain dynamics: Explore the participation of women in various stages of agricultural value chains. Research in this area may investigate the gender-specific roles, opportunities, and constraints within value chains, as well as the potential for empowering women through enhanced participation.
• Social and cultural dimensions:
  • Social norms and gender roles: Study the influence of social norms and cultural practices on gender roles in agriculture. Research could explore the impact of traditional gender expectations on women’s participation in decision-making, leadership, and access to resources.
  • Community engagement: Investigate community-level interventions that challenge and transform gender-biased norms. Research in this area may assess the effectiveness of awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and grassroots initiatives in promoting gender and social equity in agriculture.
  • Women’s empowerment: Examine the multifaceted dimensions of women’s empowerment in agriculture, including economic empowerment, social empowerment, and decision-making power. Research could evaluate the outcomes of empowerment programs and identify factors that contribute to sustainable empowerment.

6.2. Panel Sessions

During the 2^nd Rwanda STI Conference 2024, there will be 4 panel sessions.

Panel Session 1:

Topic: Policy integration and effectiveness for climate resilient agriculture to enhance food security and nutrition

 Climate-resilient agriculture is crucial to address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in ensuring food security and nutrition. Policy integration plays a vital role in aligning agricultural practices with climate resilience goals. Effective policy integration involves the coordination of various sectors, including agriculture, environment, health, and social protection, to create a holistic approach to climate adaptation.

Policies must address the vulnerabilities of farming systems by promoting sustainable practices, such as crop diversification, conservation agriculture, and the use of climate-smart technologies. Policies should also ensure access to resources, finance, and knowledge for smallholder farmers, who are often the most vulnerable. Effectiveness is achieved through the implementation of evidence-based strategies, regular monitoring, and the inclusion of local communities in decision-making processes.

The panel will explore ways to enhance cross-sector collaboration and engage stakeholders at every level, enabling integrated policies to strengthen agricultural resilience, mitigate climate change risks, and boost food security and nutrition.

Moderator: Dr. Athanase Nduwumuremyi, RAB

Panelists:

• • Prof. Eugenie Kayitesi, University of Pretoria
  • Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, DG RAB, Rwanda
  • Prof. Bizoza Alfred, University of Rwanda
  • Ms. Juliet Kabera, DG REMA

 Panel Session 2:

 Topic: Strategies and practices for improving food processing, storage and access to markets

 A high-performing, resilient, and competitive processing sector can create enormous advantages such as employment opportunities, link producers to growing and urban markets, and help to ensure that consumers have access to sufficient and healthy food. The agrifood processing sector is growing in response to increasing demand for high-value nutritious foods.  As global and African communities become increasingly modernised, appropriate food processing and storage is central to ensure that healthy diets and good nutrition are more rapidly available through the processes of canning, pasteurization, freezing and other methods. Thus, evidence is needed on strategies to address challenges in the processing sector to contribute to good nutrition, improve market access and a more sustainable and resilient food supply chain. For example, how do social- cultural developments in various societies respond to the use of processed foods due to improved living standards, and what innovations and technology are available specifically in Africa to provide adequate processed foods to the increasing population of modern societies?

The panel experts will discuss transformative strategies and innovations that will revolutionize and transform farm output into higher-values added food products that meet consumer demand, as well as highlight cutting-edge technologies that promote sustainable food processing systems.

 Moderator: Dr. Esperance Munganyinka, NCST Rwanda

Panelists:

• • Dr. Vitubiko Chinoko, Project Manager, AATF, Kenya
  • Prof. Hussein Shimelis, University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Ramesh Moochikal, CEO, Africa Improved Food, Rwanda
  • Dr. Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB)

Panel Session 3:

Topic: Policy and implementation: Application of Disruptive technologies for food systems transformation

Africa has a significant opportunity to contribute to the 50% increase in global food demand expected by 2050, driven by a growing population and urbanization. With its abundant natural resources and favourable agricultural conditions, Africa can leverage disruptive technologies to modernize its agricultural value chain and enhance food systems. Despite these advantages, many African countries face inadequate food transformation systems, impacting food security and nutrition.

To achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal #2 by 2030, Africa needs more efficient and sustainable food production systems. Disruptive technologies, such as blockchain, AI, and vertical farming, offer the potential to revolutionize agriculture, improve food safety, and strengthen food access across the continent.

The session will explore how policy and technology implementation can drive innovation in Rwanda and Africa’s agricultural and food transformation sectors. It will emphasize international collaboration, governance, and the effective implementation of disruptive technologies. Key areas of focus include government policies, private sector applications, and capacity building. The goal is to identify strategies for enhancing food transformation, productivity, and safety, leading to sustainable and inclusive food production systems that contribute to global food security and economic growth.

This panel will provide practical strategies for harnessing disruptive technologies to modernize Africa’s agricultural value chain and food systems. The goal is to offer valuable insights on implementing these innovations to develop efficient, sustainable, and inclusive food production systems that significantly improve food security and nutrition across the continent.

Panelists:

Moderator: Ms Diana Umulisa, NCST Rwanda

Panelists:

• • Dr. Hakizumwami Birali Runesha, Associate Vice President for Research Computing; Director, Research Computing Center, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
  • Dr. Olivier Kamana, Permanent Secretary MINAGRI
  • Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) Representative
  • Dr. Ron Rosatti, VC RICA

Panel Discussion 4:

Topic: Enhancing the Utilization and Protection of Intellectual Property for Agri-Business Enterprise Growth

The agricultural sector is rapidly evolving, with innovations in technology, biotechnology, seed development, agricultural machinery, digital farming and sustainable practices driving significant transformations.

Intellectual property (IP) is a powerful tool for driving innovation and achieving competitive advantage in all sectors including agriculture sector. Most countries have IP systems which stipulate rights and obligations as well benefits associated with creation and protection of IPs. However, in most African countries IP is rarely considered important or essential for business to flourish. This is mainly due to lack of intellectual property awareness and capacity to understand and utilize the opportunity of what IP system provides for.

Moreover, this gap has a negative impact on agribusinesses in securing the rights and protection of agricultural innovations, and affects enterprises’ business. This ultimately leads to endless disputes between different enterprises, where enterprises spend most of their time in IP conflicts rather than focusing on their business activities, resulting in wasted time, wasted IP, and investment.

To address these challenges, this panel will explore ways to enhance IP utilization and protection of intellectual property to drive Agri Business enterprise growth.

Panelists:

Moderator: Mrs. Kellen Twinamatsiko, Rwanda Development Board

Panelists:

• Mr. Blaise Ruhima Mbaraga, Rwanda Development Board
• Mr. Antoine Marie Kajangwe, MINICOM, Ministry of Trade and Industry
• Mr. Bizimungu Gabriel, SOPYRWA
• Mr. Pascal Nyiringango, University of Rwanda

Participants: The conference will bring together stakeholders from academia (postgraduate students,  senior researchers and early career researchers), Innovators, industry/ Private sectors, government, policy makers, development partners from all over the world.

7. Important Dates

The following are important dates for abstracts/papers submission:

• 28^th December 2023: Call for abstracts published
• 15^th June 2024: Deadline for abstracts submission
• 25^th July 2024: Notification to authors
• 20^th September 2024: Full paper submission
• 23^rd-24^th September 2024: Conference

The following are important dates for registration of participants and exhibition:

• 25^th July 2024: Online registration open
• 25^th July 2024: Online registration for exhibition 
• 20^th September 2024: Registration closed