TAGDev 2.0 Launch at Walter Sisulu University Strengthens Agricultural Education and Extension Services in Africa

The launch of the TAGDev 2.0 Compendium at the University of Walter Sisulu, kuGompo Campus, marked an important milestone in the ongoing transformation of agricultural education across Africa. The event brought together academics, development partners, extension practitioners and policy stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in building a more resilient and innovation-driven agricultural sector. TAGDev 2.0 is implemented through the Transforming Agricultural Universities in Africa initiative and is supported by RUFORUM and the Mastercard Foundation. It is being rolled out across 12 African universities with the goal of improving agricultural education, promoting youth engagement and advancing sustainable development. The programme reflects a growing commitment to aligning higher education with real-world agricultural challenges faced by communities across the continent.

The TAGDev 2.0 initiative focuses on reshaping how agricultural knowledge is developed, shared and applied in Africa. By strengthening universities and linking them more closely with farming communities, the programme aims to produce graduates who are better prepared to address practical agricultural challenges. This includes improving skills in crop production, livestock management, agribusiness development and climate-smart agriculture. The initiative also places strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship and the use of technology in farming systems. Through this approach, students and researchers are encouraged to move beyond theory and contribute directly to solving food security and rural development challenges.

The launch of the TAGDev 2.0 Compendium at Walter Sisulu University highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing in advancing agricultural transformation. The compendium serves as a structured reference that captures lessons, best practices and success stories from participating institutions. It provides valuable insights into how universities can work with development partners and government institutions to improve agricultural outcomes. By documenting experiences from across the continent, the compendium helps ensure that successful approaches can be replicated in different contexts. This supports a more coordinated and evidence-based approach to agricultural development in Africa.

A key feature of the event was the presentation of success stories and short communications from various participants involved in agricultural development programmes. These presentations showcased practical examples of how TAGDev 2.0 is making an impact at community and institutional levels. Among the contributors was Dr Hozani Wedu Wedu from the Department of Agriculture’s Mhlontlo Local Municipality office in the Eastern Cape. His participation highlighted the role of extension practitioners in bridging the gap between academic research and farming communities. By sharing real-world experiences, contributors demonstrated how agricultural knowledge can be translated into practical solutions that benefit farmers directly.

Extension and advisory services were a central focus of the discussions during the conference, particularly in relation to their evolving role in modern agriculture. Participants engaged in a thought-provoking panel discussion on the professionalisation of extension services within the new agricultural development paradigm. The discussion emphasised that extension practitioners are no longer only information providers but also key drivers of innovation, capacity building and rural transformation. As agriculture becomes more technology-driven and climate-sensitive, extension officers are expected to take on more specialised roles. These include supporting farmers with digital tools, climate adaptation strategies and market access information.

The panel also explored the importance of continuous professional development for extension practitioners. As agricultural systems become more complex, there is a growing need for ongoing training and skills development to ensure that extension officers remain effective. Strengthening professional standards within extension services was identified as a critical step toward improving service delivery to farming communities. Participants noted that well-trained extension practitioners can significantly improve agricultural productivity by helping farmers adopt improved farming techniques and sustainable practices. This, in turn, contributes to stronger food systems and rural economic growth.

Another important theme that emerged from the discussions was the need for stronger partnerships between universities, government departments and development organisations. TAGDev 2.0 demonstrates how collaborative efforts can create more effective agricultural education systems that respond directly to societal needs. Universities provide research and training, government departments support implementation and policy direction, while development partners contribute funding and technical expertise. This integrated approach ensures that agricultural education is not isolated from real-world challenges. Instead, it becomes a practical tool for addressing issues such as food insecurity, unemployment and climate change.

The involvement of multiple African universities in TAGDev 2.0 also strengthens regional cooperation in agricultural development. By working together across borders, institutions can share knowledge, research findings and innovative solutions that benefit the continent as a whole. This collaboration helps reduce duplication of effort while promoting consistency in agricultural training and extension approaches. It also creates opportunities for student exchange, joint research projects and capacity-building programmes. Such initiatives contribute to building a more connected and resilient African agricultural sector.

The launch at Walter Sisulu University’s kuGompo Campus demonstrated the growing importance of aligning education with agricultural transformation goals. By focusing on practical skills, innovation and community engagement, TAGDev 2.0 is helping to redefine the role of agricultural universities in Africa. The participation of extension practitioners and researchers reinforced the importance of linking academic knowledge with on-the-ground agricultural practice. This connection is essential for ensuring that research outputs translate into meaningful improvements in farming communities. It also supports the broader goal of strengthening food security and rural livelihoods across the continent.

The conclusion of the conference left a strong message about the future of agricultural development in Africa. As extension and advisory services continue to evolve, their role in supporting farmers, driving innovation and promoting sustainable practices will become even more important. TAGDev 2.0 provides a platform for strengthening these systems through education, collaboration and knowledge sharing. By investing in agricultural education and professionalising extension services, African countries can build more resilient food systems capable of meeting future challenges. The launch of the compendium therefore represents not only a milestone event but also a step forward in transforming agriculture into a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable sector.