APRNet International Conference and Agrifood System Stakeholders Forum

The 2026 AICASF Annual Conference!

Three amazing days of learning, growing and mingling with the Agrifood Policy Research community.

17th - 19th August, 2026. CBN Building and ICC, University of Port Harcourt.

Save The Date. Don't Miss It!Book your place right now! less than 100 seats remaining.

2026 AICASF Annual ConferenceWhat You'll Discover at AICASF:

Why We Are Doing This?

Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic shocks are disrupting global food systems and threatening livelihoods, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The 2021 UN Food Systems Summit called for transformative action, but achieving sustainable development goals requires urgent, coordinated efforts to tackling these challenges. This conference brings together researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to address the critical challenges facing agrifood systems. We’re focusing on practical solutions through digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and value chain development to build resilience and create opportunities for youth, women, differently abled persons, and vulnerable communities in a changing climate.

What You Will Learn?

Discover cutting-edge strategies for transforming agrifood systems through seven keynote addresses from Nigerian ministers and international experts. Explore digital technologies and AI innovations for sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation frameworks integrating food systems into national plans, and models for empowering marginalized groups in agribusiness. Gain insights on blue and marine economies, circular economy approaches from European partners, investment models for closing the digital divide, and policy frameworks for value chain development. Participate in panel sessions, workshops, and technical presentations covering ecosystem management, agricultural resilience, and entrepreneurship innovations across multiple sub-themes.

What Are The Benefits?

Connect with 500 participants including academia, policymakers, private sector leaders, and international development partners. Present your research with opportunities for publication in Scopus-indexed book chapters and compete for prizes for the best three papers. Influence policy through a conference communiqué shared with national and regional decision-makers. Access bursaries for outstanding early career researchers and postgraduate students. Network through exhibitions, strategic side meetings, and multi-stakeholder dialogues. Engage with organizations like IFPRI, RUFORUM, Mastercard Foundation, and the EU CREATE GreenAfrica Project while building partnerships for sustainable agrifood system transformation.

Special early bird offers on the first 50 tickets sold - This week only.

About The Event

Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Agrifood Systems in a Changing Climate through Entrepreneurship, Digital Innovations and Value Chain Development

APRNet International Conference and Agrifood System Stakeholders’ Forum (AICASF) is a Policy Forum and International Conference organized by the Agricultural Policy Research Network (APRNet), bringing together 500+ experts to transform Africa's agrifood systems through innovation, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience.

Join us for three days of groundbreaking research, policy dialogue, and networking opportunities.

Attend sessions and interact with other policy researchers and experts. Whether you're with us in Nigeria or tuning in from around the world, there's an AICASF Conference Template for everyone. This year's event is bigger than ever - with more expanded sessions, interactive experiences and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the leaders who are shaping the future of agrifood policy research.

Get The Full Programme

Location

CBN Building and ICC,
University of Port Harcourt,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Speakers

12 Distinguished Speakers:
Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Food Security (Nigeria), et.c.

Date & Time

August 17th - 19th, 2026
8.15 AM - 5.30 PM

Venue

CBN Building and International Conference Centre

The CBN Building and International Conference Centre at the University of Port Harcourt is a premier academic venue featuring modern facilities and advanced technology infrastructure. Strategically located within the university campus in Choba, Rivers State, the center provides an ideal setting for international conferences, bringing together world-class amenities with the scholarly atmosphere of one of Nigeria's leading universities.

EVENT SPEAKERS

Our keynote presenters represent the highest levels of policy leadership and academic excellence. From government ministers shaping Nigeria's agricultural future to global researchers pioneering climate-smart innovations, these thought leaders will share transformative strategies for building inclusive, resilient agrifood systems across Africa and beyond.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON

Senator Abubakar Kyari, CONThe Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Nigeria

Appointed by President Bola Tinubu. He focuses on achieving national food security, boosting year-round production through dry-season farming, and supporting farmers with inputs, recently emerging as the Chairperson of the IFAD Governing Council.

Prof. Owunari Geoergewill

Prof. Owunari GeoergewillVice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt

He is a Nigerian professor of Pharmacology and the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt.

Dr. Precious Zikhali

Dr. Precious ZikhaliSenior Economist, Poverty and Equity Global Practice, World Bank

Senior Economist, Poverty and Equity Global Practice, World Bank, Delta Center, Menengai Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya and President, African Association of Resource and Environmental Economists (AFAERE).

Professor Patrick Okori

Professor Patrick OkoriExecutive Secretary, RUFORUM

Patrick is an international academic expert in curriculum and program design, educator, trainer, research innovator and scientific leader. During his formative years, Patrick worked at Makerere University, where he played a key role in institutional reform, both in research and training.

Professor Anthony Egeru

Professor Anthony EgeruDirector, TAGDev 2.0

Anthony Egeru has 10 years’ experience in the field of Education, research and community development. As a seasoned researcher, Anthony has expertise in climate and disaster risk reduction, community development processes, curriculum development and systems ecology.

Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha

Alhaji Idi Mukhtar MaihaMinister, Federal Ministry of Livestock, Nigeria

Pioneer Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Nigeria, appointed to transform the sector. Focused on shifting from traditional husbandry to modern, climate-resilient, and commercialized production, he aims to increase GDP contribution and resolve conflicts through strategic partnerships, genetic improvement, and sedentarisation.

Prof. Antonella GIORGIO

Prof. Antonella GIORGIOProject Adviser of EACEA

She is a professional with a PhD in biology and expertise in environmental monitoring, particularly in water resources. She works with the European Commission’s EACEA as a Project Adviser, supporting initiatives like the DOCKSIDE project and the EU CREATE GReenAfrica Intra-Africa Mobility Project.. Her role involves coordinating international projects, leveraging her scientific background and experience in research and policy implementation.

Prof. Amos Majule

Prof. Amos MajuleConsortium Coordinator, EU-CREATE GreenAfrica

Prof. Amos Majule is a recognized expert in soil fertility dynamics, with 61 research works and 1,878 citations, focusing on land use types and cropping systems, particularly on Mount Kilimanjaro. His work contributes significantly to sustainable agriculture and natural resource management in East Africa.

Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal

Hon. Balarabe Abbas LawalMinister for Environment, Abuja, Nigeria

Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2023. He leads the Federal Ministry of Environment in tackling climate change, waste management, and pollution.

Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola

Hon. Adegboyega OyetolaMinister for Blue and Marine Economy, Abuja, Nigeria

Nigerian politician leading the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, focused on developing Nigeria's maritime sector, including waterways, ports, fisheries, and coastal resources, to boost the national economy, as seen in his recent efforts to improve safety and infrastructure.

Dr. Farouk Rabi'u Mudi

Dr. Farouk Rabi'u MudiPresident, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)

Currently recognized as the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), actively leading the organization with a focus on improving farmer welfare and agricultural productivity, supported by court rulings validating his leadership as of late 2025 and early 2026.

Professor Morten Birkved

Professor Morten BirkvedE𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

A trailblazer in Life Cycle Assessment and sustainability modelling, Morten Birkved brings over 30 years of expertise with him. His work has transformed how we think about sustainability- from agriculture and food systems to civil engineering and resource management.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Your roadmap to three days of transformative discussions, research presentations, and collaborative exchanges. Discover keynote sessions, technical tracks, panel dialogues, and networking events designed to advance inclusive and resilient agrifood systems in a changing climate.

08: 30 AM - 6:00 PM	ARRIVALS

08:30 AM - 09:30 AM	REGISTRATION
9:30 AM -10:15 AM	OPENING CEREMONY
10: 15 AM - 11:15 AM	PLENARY SESSION 1
11:15 - 12:30	PARALLEL SESSION 1
12: 30 PM - 1:30 PM	LUNCH BREAK
1::30 PM - 2:30 PM	POSTER SESSION
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM	PARALEL SESSION 2
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM	EXHIBITION AND CLOSING
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM	GALA NIGHT

08:30 AM - 09:30 AM	REGISTRATION/COFFEE
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM	PLENARY SESSION 2
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	AWARDS/RECOGNITION
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM	PARALEL SESSION 3 (Special EU Contributed Papers Session)
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM	LUNCH BREAK
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM	EXHIBITION/POSTER SESSION
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM	PARALLEL SESSION 4
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM	AGM (APRNet)/NETWORKING
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM	PLENARY SESSION 3

Day 1 Monday, August 17, 2026.

Schedule

08: 30 AM - 6:00 PMARRIVALS

Day 2 Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Schedule

08:30 AM - 09:30 AMREGISTRATION
9:30 AM -10:15 AMOPENING CEREMONY
10: 15 AM - 11:15 AMPLENARY SESSION 1
11:15 - 12:30PARALLEL SESSION 1
12: 30 PM - 1:30 PMLUNCH BREAK
1::30 PM - 2:30 PMPOSTER SESSION
2:30 PM - 3:30 PMPARALEL SESSION 2
3:30 PM - 4:30 PMEXHIBITION AND CLOSING
6:00 PM - 8:00 PMGALA NIGHT

Day 3 Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Schedule

08:30 AM - 09:30 AMREGISTRATION/COFFEE
09:30 AM - 10:30 AMPLENARY SESSION 2
10:30 AM - 11:00 AMAWARDS/RECOGNITION
11:00 AM - 12:15 PMPARALEL SESSION 3 (Special EU Contributed Papers Session)
12:15 PM - 1:30 PMLUNCH BREAK
1:30 PM - 2:15 PMEXHIBITION/POSTER SESSION
2:15 PM - 3:30 PMPARALLEL SESSION 4
3:30 PM - 4:30 PMAGM (APRNet)/NETWORKING
4:30 PM - 5:30 PMPLENARY SESSION 3

Schedule

24Sessions

33Hours

12Speakers

6Sponsors

Important Dates

Mark Your Calendar

All deadlines are firm. Authors and participants are encouraged to plan well in advance to secure travel, accommodation, and early-bird registration rates.

Conference dates 17 – 19 August 2026

1st Call for Abstracts

27 March 2026

Submission portal announced

Submission Portal Opens

15 April 2026

Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit (CMT) goes live

2nd Call for Papers

28 April 2026

Final reminder to submit

⚑ Paper Submission Deadline

1 June 2026

No extensions expected

Review Decisions

8 June 2026

Authors notified by email

Early-Bird Registration

9 June 2026

Reduced registration fee

Late Registration Opens

14 July 2026

Standard registration fee

Conference Begins

17 Aug 2026

University of Port Harcourt

Conference Ends

19 Aug 2026

Communiqué & closing ceremony

Call for Papers

Submit Your Research

AICASF 2026 invites original research papers, review articles, technical papers, and policy discussion papers aligned with the conference theme and the six sub-theme tracks below. Submissions in English or French are welcome.

Conference Theme

Advancing Inclusive and Resilient Agrifood Systems in a Changing Climate through Entrepreneurship, Digital Innovations and Value Chain Development

Sub-Theme 1

Ecosystems Management Towards a Sustainable Agrifood System

Natural resource conservation, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and sustainable land-use practices in food production.

Sub-Theme 2

Climate Change, Agricultural Resilience and Food Security

Adaptation strategies, climate-smart agriculture, national adaptation plans (NAPs/NDCs), and food system resilience.

Sub-Theme 3

Blue and Marine Economies, Food Security and Sustainable Jobs

Fisheries, aquaculture, coastal communities, ocean governance, and marine-based livelihood systems.

Sub-Theme 4

Digital Technologies, Agricultural Innovations and Agripreneurship

AI, mobile platforms, satellite-based tools, digital markets, precision agriculture, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Sub-Theme 5

Empowering Youths, Women, Differently Abled Persons and Refugees/IDPs

Inclusive agrifood entrepreneurship, gender-responsive policies, disability and displacement in food systems.

Sub-Theme 6

Policies and Targeting Towards Agrifood System Value Chain Development

Policy coherence, market mechanisms, traceability, public-private partnerships, and value chain governance.

Submit via the Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit (CMT) Online Portal

The submission portal opens on 15 April 2026. Authors may submit up to two abstracts (individually or as co-author). The paper submission deadline is 1 June 2026. Visit aicasf.aprnetworkng.org for the direct submission link and full author guidelines. For enquiries contact pius.ike@dou.edu.ng.

Organizing Committee

Conference Leadership

AICASF 2026 is led by a national planning committee and a local organizing committee, with strategic steering from institutional partners across Nigeria, Africa, and Europe.

Overall Strategic Planning · APRNet President

Prof. Anthony O. Onoja

University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Vice President, AFAERE

Chair, National Planning Committee · APRNet VP

Prof. Pius C. Ike

Veritas University / Delta State University of Science & Technology, Nigeria

Local Organizing Committee Chair · Logistics & Travel

Prof. Mercy E. Ndubueze-Ogaraku

University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Secretary

Dr. Blessing Ada Ahamefule

Michael Okpara' University of Agriculture, Nigeria

Communication & ICT Management

Dr. Gbenga Koledoye

Nigeria

Resource Mobilization & Sponsorship

Dr. Stella Ojone Adejoh

Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Research & Publications Management

Prof. Robert Onyeneke

Nigeria / Chair, Editorial Sub-Committee

Stakeholders Engagement

Prof. Johnson Onyibe

Nigeria

TAGDev 2.0 Coordinator

Prof. Ibisime Etela

University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

IFPRI-Nigeria Lead

Dr. Oliver Kiptoo Kirui

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Nigeria

IFPRI-Nigeria

Dr. Hyacinth Edeh

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Nigeria

APRNet Leader

Prof. Eric C. Eboh

Vice Chancellor, University of Delta, Nigeria

Collaborating & Supporting Organizations

APRNet TAGDev 2.0 / RUFORUM Mastercard Foundation University of Port Harcourt IFPRI University of Delta (UNIDEL) European Union (EU) CREATE Green Africa Project (UNIPORT) AFAERE Fed. Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security Fed. Ministry of Environment Fed. Ministry of Livestock Fed. Ministry of Blue & Marine Economy

For Authors

Submission Guidelines

All submissions must adhere to the following formatting and ethical requirements. Papers failing to comply will be returned without review.

File Format

PDF or Word

.doc / .docx accepted

Font & Margins

12pt · 1-inch

Times New Roman, single-column

Page Limit

10 – 27 pages

Including tables & references

Submission Deadline

1 June 2026

Via Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit (CMT) · opens 15 Apr

Accepted File Formats

PDF .doc .docx
Single-column layout only. No multi-column formats.

Font & Margins

Times New Roman, 12-point with 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins on all sides.

Page Limits

10 to 27 pages, including all tables, figures, and references. Panel paper proposals: 10–26 pages (APA format).

Abstract Length

Approximately 300 words. Must include 4–6 keywords.

Required Paper Structure

Title → Abstract → Keywords → Introduction → Methodology → Results → Discussion → Conclusion → References

Anonymization

All submissions use double-blind peer review. Remove all author names, affiliations, email addresses, and acknowledgments from the manuscript before uploading.

Originality

Papers must be original and unpublished, not currently under review elsewhere. All manuscripts are screened for plagiarism via iThenticate.

AI Usage Disclosure

Use of any generative AI tool must be explicitly declared within the submission, stating (1) the tool name, (2) how it was used, and (3) the reason for use.

Submission Limit

A maximum of two abstracts per author (individually or as co-author). No duplicate submissions across tracks or working groups.

Submission Platform

All papers submitted exclusively via the Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit (CMT), opening 15 April 2026.
Enquiries: pius.ike@dou.edu.ng (cc: anthony.onoja@uniport.edu.ng)

Registration Requirement

At least one author must register for the conference for the accepted paper to appear in the proceedings. High-quality papers will be published in Scopus-indexed book chapters.

Paper Submission System

This conference uses the Microsoft Conference Management Toolkit (CMT) for the management of paper submissions and the review process. CMT is a free service provided by Microsoft Research to support the academic community. By submitting a paper to AICASF 2026, authors acknowledge that their submission data will be processed through the CMT platform in accordance with Microsoft's privacy statement.

HOTELS

A variety of hotels are situated within walking distance of the event venue.
Here are a few you might be interested in!

JuliRose Hotel and Suites, Port Harcourt0.2 miles from venue

4-Star Hotel

Novotel Hotels, Port Harcourt0.2 miles from venue

4-Star Hotel

Le Mehol Hotel And Suites0.7 miles from venue

4-Star Hotel

Roston Hotels0.8 miles from venue

4-Star Hotel

1804 Boutique Hotel1.3 miles from venue

4-Star Hotel

Helena Haven Hotels1.4 miles from venue

4-Star Hotel

Swiss International Mabisel3 miles from venue

5-Star Hotel

FAQ

Here is a list of answers to frequently asked questions about the conference.

01. General FAQ

Can I view the sessions I registered for online ?

The confirmation email you receive at the time you register will include a link to your registration record.

Will a packet be mailed to us before the conference ?

All conference materials will be distributed onsite when you check in at registration. This includes a full conference program and daily schedule-at-a-glance.

Is video of speakers from Dione conferences available ?

To share the content from the conference with a wider audience and allow attendees to relive the experience, AICASF will make every effort to post video of all the main stage presentations on the website.

02. Registration

How do I register for the conference?

Registration is done entirely online. Visit the Registration section of this website, select your preferred ticket class, and complete the checkout process via our secure ticketing platform. You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket immediately after payment.

Is there a deadline for registration?

Yes. Early Bird registration closes on July 13, 2026 or when the allocated slots are exhausted, whichever comes first. Standard registration closes on August 16, 2026. We strongly encourage early registration as slots are limited and will not be available at the door.

Can I register on behalf of someone else?

Yes. During checkout, you will be asked to fill in the attendee’s details. Please ensure you enter the name and email address of the actual attendee, as the ticket and all correspondence will be sent to that information.

How many people can attend with one ticket?

Each ticket is valid for one individual attendee only. Group registrations must be completed separately for each delegate.

03. Payment

Is my payment secure?

Absolutely. All payments are processed through a PCI-compliant payment platform. Your card details are never stored on our servers.

I completed payment but did not receive a confirmation email. What should I do?

First, check your spam or junk mail folder. If the email is not there, contact us with your name and the email address used during registration, and we will resend your ticket promptly.

Can I get an invoice or receipt for institutional reimbursement?

Yes. A payment receipt is automatically issued by upon successful checkout. If you require a formal invoice on institutional letterhead, please email us with your full name, institution, and payment reference number.

For inquiries, please contact:
Prof. Pius C. Ike: pius.ike@dou.edu.ng,
copying:
Prof. Anthony O. Onoja: anthony.onoja@uniport.edu.ng,
mercy.onu@uniport.edu.ng (LOC Chair),
blessingahamefuleada@gmail.com (Secretary),
robertonyeneke@yahoo.com (Editorial Chair)
gbengakoledoye@gmail.com (ICT Manager).

Ticket Plans

Join our keynote speakers including Nigerian government ministers and leading international experts from IFPRI, RUFORUM, European partners The World Bank and African Association of Environmental and Resource Economists (AFAERE).
Key stakeholders in African and Nigerian agrifood system as well as environmental activists will also be here alongside scholars in these fields. Engage in groundbreaking discussions on climate-smart agriculture, digital innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship, and policy frameworks that are reshaping Africa's food future. Two days of knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration await. Register early to secure the best rates!

Early Bird

Students/Postgraduates $70

Money Back Guarantee
All Sessions
12 Professional Speakers
Refreshments

Goes back to $100 after the early bird offers end.

Purchase Ticket

Early Bird

Early Career Researchers $70

Money Back Guarantee
All Sessions
12 Professional Speakers
Refreshments

Goes back to $150 after early bird offers end.

Purchase Ticket

Early Bird

Regular $200

Money Back Guarantee
All Sessions
12 Professional Speakers
Refreshments

Goes back to $250 after early bird offers end.

Purchase Ticket

Early Bird

APRNet Members $30

Money Back Guarantee
All Sessions
12 Professional Speakers
Refreshments

Goes back to $100 after early bird offers end.

Purchase Ticket

Early Bird

Exhibitors Nego tiable

Money Back Guarantee
All Sessions
12 Professional Speakers
Refreshments

Purchase Ticket

Sponsors Nego tiable

Money Back Guarantee
All Sessions
12 Professional Speakers
Refreshments

Purchase Ticket

PHOTO GALLERY

A visual journey through our previous conference featuring inspiring speakers, cutting-edge research presentations, stakeholder dialogues, and the collaborative spirit that continues to drive innovation in climate-resilient agriculture and entrepreneurship.