The key objective of the RUFORUM biennial conference is to provide a platform for research for development stakeholders in the region to network, share experiences and lesson learning towards enhanced capacity for implementing an innovation systems approach.

The key objective of the RUFORUM biennial conference is to provide a platform for research for development stakeholders in the region to network, share experiences and lesson learning towards enhanced capacity for implementing an innovation systems approach.This five day workshop will be held at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda from 20th to 24th September, 2010, and will be co-organised by The Regional Universities’ Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture – RUFORUM and Makerere University. The meeting will bring together various stakeholders from research and training institutions from within and outside Africa. Also involved with be other organizations representing the entire value chain including development partners, non-governmental institutions and private sector organisations.

The meeting will be designed to include key presentations from distinguished leading scientists and development practitioners to set the scene. Students and staff that are currently supported by RUFORUM will deliver presentations on their research activities and opportunity will be provided for participants to critique presentations. It is proposed to link with AGRINATURA to bring in European participation, and through the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and ANAFE (African Network for Agricultural and Forestry Education), participation from West Africa and The Strengthening Capacity for Agricultural Research and Development in Africa (SCARDA) Programme. It is also planned to work with SADC to ensure participation of The Implementation and Coordination of Agricultural Research and Training (ICART) sponsored research projects and graduate students.

Students will be encouraged by special awards to be given to best oral and poster presentations. Other scientists and development practitioners will also have opportunity to present their research work. Special interest groups, such as the Hohenheim University Food Security Centre, will be given opportunity to hold their meetings within the Conference framework. A field day will also be arranged to allow for exposure to practical field issues.

The key expected outcome of the meeting will be strengthened innovation capacities of meeting participants including future graduates of agriculture. Networks will also be created. It is hoped that these will lead to greater social benefits from the current research activities by RUFORUM and other Research and Development Networks.