Before 1993 there was a strong need among scientists to establish a crop society and to hold a conference every second year. The main objective was to promote crop production and reduce hunger in Africa. At the same time scientists from different countries can share their knowledge throughout Africa.

The first conference was in Uganda in 1993 and that was the beginning of the African Crop Science Society. The next conference was hosted by Malawi in 1995 and the constitution was formulated. At this time the journal was established at the Makerere University in Uganda.

Prof. Adipala Ekwamu played a key role in the establishment of the ACSS and the journal. The Rockefeller Foundation made a substantial financial contribution in the early days of the society and journal.

Since that humble beginning in 1993 to date, the scientific value of papers and posters increased significantly. The interaction between scientists of different countries is still growing to the benefit of Africa. South Africa played a vital role to keep the society on track, because there were periods that the society went through difficult times.