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Upcoming Congress

3rd AAHC (Nigeria, 2016)

Completed Congresses

2nd AAHC (Skukuza, South Africa, Jan. 15-20, 2012)
1st AAHC (Nairobi, Kenya Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 2009)

ALL AFRICA HORTICULTURE CONGRESSES

2ND ALL AFRICA HORTICULTURE CONGRESS 2012 HELD AT SKUKUZA, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, 15-20 JANUARY 2012

Published on 1^st Feb 2012

The Congress was hosted by The Southern African Society fo AAHC2012 plenary hall with posters r Horticultural Sciences (SASHS) and took place under the aegis of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS). The aim of the Congress was to bring together scientists involved in diverse horticultural endeavors in Africa and to provide a platform that would encourage a spirit of communication, collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the Continent and its people.

Over 250 delegates from 30 countries across the globe registered for the Congress. 138 oral presentations, 58 posters, 3 FAO side-events, 4 workshops, 7 exhibitors as well as a selection of technical tours to various horticultural industries and projects in the Lowveld Region were included in the Scientific Program - which continued despite the somewhat challenging circumstances (incessant rain, floods etc.). 11 keynote speakers covering a wide range of subject areas, which focused on the horticulture challenges faced in Africa, were included in the Program. The Congress was very successful and resulted in the creation of many excellent resolutions, which will place the Congress on a solid basis in future. The Congress agreed to accept the candidature of The Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON) to host the AAHC 2016 in Nigeria.

Board members of both GlobalHort and ISHS Board of Directors participated in the Congress, having scheduled their respective meeting before or after the event. The GlobalHort Executive Secretary, Remi Kahane, was on the International Scientific Committee. GlobalHort and FAO convened three side events, which were meant to bring science beyond research:

Promotion of horticulture for health (with reference to the FAO-WHO joint initiative PROFAV/PROFEL) was convened by Wilfried Baudoin;
How horticulture contributes to a secure food city supply (FAO initiatives Growing Greener Cities, SOUPHA and Food for the Cities) was convened by Nebambi Lutaladio;
Horticultural biodiversity: How it can nurture and nourish Africa in the 21st century (GFAR’s DOCNet initiative and FAO’s Save and Grow initiative) was convened by Remi Kahane.

The contribution of the participants to the side events was very active and stimulating, expressing the need for more and better exchanging each other’s experience across the continent. GlobalHort will make sure to link these participants to the on-going initiatives from FAO, GFAR or NEPAD, and enlist them in active networks for stronger awareness, capacity building and/or knowledge sharing.

Remi Kahane stated that, “While the Congress was very good for the scientific organization, it was not enough to attract and gather an African horticultural community. More diverse stakeholders should be involved in future congresses, on public policy, from the civil society, and also from the private sector, farmers, farmers’ organizations, industries and trade. The scientists were not collaborating enough, and the examples of reported innovation did not demonstrate field application. The participatory approach advocated and used by researchers should also include such events, communication and development.”

The participants expressed their deepest gratitude to the organizing committee for their excellent work in the preparation and implementation of the Congress; Karin Hannweg and Mark Penter were especially acknowledged. Appreciation was also extended to Ethne Cameron and Susie Prangley (Going Africa Conferencing) for their professionalism, enthusiasm and kindness under the challenging circumstances of the heavy rainy conditions.