On Monday, 3rd August 2026, the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture & Food Security (PiLAF), University of Ibadan, welcomed Dr. Antony Chapoto, Executive Director of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI), during his working visit to Nigeria. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase PiLAF’s research portfolio, policy engagement initiatives, and strategic priorities, while exploring avenues for stronger institutional collaboration to advance evidence-informed agricultural policymaking across Africa.

Building on this engagement, PiLAF, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, hosted the PiLAF Seminar Series on Tuesday, 4th August 2026, where Dr. Chapoto delivered a keynote presentation titled “Strengthening the Role of Research and Evidence in Agricultural Policy and Development in Africa.” The seminar brought together researchers, academics, policymakers, students, and development practitioners to discuss how research can more effectively influence policy and drive sustainable agricultural transformation.

In his presentation, Dr. Chapoto emphasized that research delivers its greatest impact when it is timely, relevant, and aligned with policy priorities. He encouraged researchers to engage policymakers throughout the policy cycle, stressing that effective policy influence is built on sustained engagement, strategic partnerships, trust, and evidence that responds to real-world challenges.

The seminar sparked rich discussions on strengthening the research–policy interface and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in building resilient, inclusive, and evidence-informed agrifood systems across Africa.

At PiLAF, we remain committed to creating platforms that bridge research, policy, and practice through strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based dialogue that contribute to agricultural transformation and food security.

We sincerely thank Dr. Antony Chapoto and ANAPRI for this enriching engagement and look forward to strengthening our collaboration in advancing evidence-informed agricultural policy and development across the continent.