On 23 April 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through AGRIS and with support from the Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA), held a high-impact meeting focused on expanding the AGRIS data provider network across Swahili-speaking community. The session was led by Onan Mulumba, FAO Information Specialist, and conducted in Swahili, ensuring broader participation and accessibility.

The event brought together over 230 participants, reflecting strong and growing interest in increasing the visibility, accessibility, and impact of agricultural research across the region. Participants explored the role of AGRIS in supporting institutions that generate agricultural and food-related knowledge, offering open access to over 15 million bibliographic records in more than 100 languages, contributed by thousands of institutions globally.

Importantly, the meeting underscored how events like this directly contribute to improving access to scientific information critical to addressing current food and agriculture challenges in Africa. By joining the AGRIS network, institutions not only expand the reach of their research but also help bridge the gap between science and practice, fostering international collaboration and evidence-based policymaking.

FAO invites institutions and stakeholders in the region to stay engaged and become part of the AGRIS community, which continues to grow as a key platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in agriculture.

To learn more about AGRIS and stay informed about upcoming events, please register here.