Green Futures: Capacity and Cooperation for Transforming Agriculture
The main objective of the „Green Futures“ project is to strengthen and support marginalized groups in the agricultural sector in southern Africa through knowledge transfer and capacity development. The target groups are women, young and smallholder farmers, as well as university students, taking into account gender and role sensitivity. The beneficiary countries of the project in Southern Africa include Zambia and South Africa.
The project goal of strengthening and supporting marginalized groups in the agricultural sector in Southern Africa is to be achieved through various knowledge transfer activities supervised by Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) and the University of Stellenbosch (SU) and carried out in cooperation with the University of Zambia (UNZA) in Zambia and South Africa respectively. In addition, experts from Kenya from the Jaramogi Oginga Odina University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) and Senegal from the Université du Sine Saloum El-Hâdji Ibrahima NIASS (USSEIN) will be involved in the knowledge transfer.
The project addresses regional and local challenges and draws on the knowledge of experts from Germany, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya and Senegal. The research expertise of all partners involved lies in the agricultural and food sector.In addition, the entire value chain from food production in agriculture to processing and consumption is covered with specific topics. Instead of choosing only one specific research topic, this project covers different aspects of the food value chain and starts with food production in agriculture.
In particular, the project focuses on food security and gender equality: the empowerment of marginalized groups in the agricultural context. Methodologically, this empowerment is implemented by offering activities and courses aimed specifically at marginalized groups. In „Green Futures“, the knowledge and structures of the local African partner universities are to be used and strengthened by the practical experience of the HSWT in industrial partnerships and applied research.
Green Futures Pitch Day
In October 2025, a hybrid Green Futures Pitch Day was held in collaboration with Stellenbosch University and the University of Zambia. Participating students and entrepreneurs – both those returning from previous workshops and newcomers – presented their sustainable food innovations to an international panel of judges. Among the showcased ideas were a plant-based coconut milk cheddar alternative, freeze-dried herbs and spices supporting local farmers, digital platforms for marketing produce from small-scale farmers, innovative surveillance systems for agricultural logistics, and various socially sustainable food and beverage products from South Africa and Zambia.
The Pitch Day celebrated creativity, collaboration and sustainable food innovation in southern Africa. The winners were Meltwell from South Africa and Namwai Chillies from Zambia, who each received around 1,000 USD to further develop their business ideas.
Series of events in Lusaka and the surrounding area from 9 to 18 July 2025
In July a comprehensive series of events took place in Lusaka and the surrounding area as part of the Green Futures project. With organizational support from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the inclusion of local agricultural training facilities such as Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre and German-Zambian Agricultural Knowledge and Training Centre (AKTC), the program included numerous knowledge transfer activities coordinated by Stellenbosch University (SU) and Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT), with the participation of partner universities from Kenya (JOOUST) and Senegal (USSEIN). Targeting different stakeholders, including farmers, extension workers and students, the series of events included a data science course, a symposium on underutilized crops, practical training on circular economy and agrobiodiversity, and a workshop on agro-food innovation.
Networking meeting of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) on January 15, 2025
At the networking meeting as part of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), Dr. Ilaria Tedesco presented the Green Futures project. The event offered practical insights into the implementation of the right to food and sustainable forest management. Participants also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts and present successful projects.
HSWT delegation traveled to Zambia in December 2024
A delegation from HSWT traveled to Zambia in December to set important milestones in the cooperation as part of the “Green Futures” project funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
Kick-off of the project in South Africa from May 25 to 28, 2024
A HSWT delegation traveled to Stellenbosch University in South Africa from 25 to 28 May for the kick-off meeting of the Green Futures research project. The main objective of the project is to strengthen and support marginalized groups in the agricultural sector in Southern Africa through knowledge transfer and capacity development. Prof. Dr. Carsten Lorz, Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity, Dr. Ilaria Tedesco from the Centre for International Affairs and Dr. Tarja Dworrak from the Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer took part in the meeting.
Workpackage lead (external)
External project participation
Partners
Adressierte SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
