African Organic Research Conference (AFROREC) is an initiative of the Network of Organic Agriculture Researchers in Africa (NOARA) with participation of diverse regional and international multi-stakeholder organizations (farmers/ producers, researchers, manufacturers/marketers, policy makers, etc.) in organic and agroecology sectors. The 2nd AFROREC with the theme – Strengthening Organic and Agroecological Farming in Africa through Innovative Research to run through 24 -25 November 2025 in Egypt, is being hosted by SEKEM, Heliopolis University, and the Egyptian Biodynamic Association. This event shall be a hybrid of virtual and physical participation. This conference is a contribution of NOARA and her partners to the decision of the African Heads of States and Governments on organic farming [EX.CL/Dec.621 (XVII)], as well as the demand by stakeholders of the organic and agroecological sectors of Africa, for research interventions to improve their operations.

The importance of organic and ecological agriculture in national food security, health, biodiversity, environment conservation and fight against poverty is increasingly being recognized in Africa and all over the world. Despite on-going several private and governmental efforts in the organic agriculture and agroecology sectors of Africa, there is still a gap of appropriate research interventions to strengthen efforts of these organizations in Africa. Thus, the 2nd AFROREC shall be providing a platform for multi- stakeholders (agencies, organizations, civil societies, projects and individuals) of organic and agroecological research in Africa to showcase their research results/innovations as solutions to stakeholders’ challenges. The conference with an expected 300 participants shall also afford manufacturers, developers and innovators in the space of organic and agroecology from any part of the world the opportunities to exhibit their products/ innovation by researchers in Africa, who will present the results of the validation through appropriate research during the event. The African Organic Research Conference which comes up every three years, also provides a platform for the General Assembly of NOARA, which is the highest decision-making organ and election of Council members of the Network.

The 1st AFROREC took place the University of Ibadan, Nigeria from 6 – 8 December 2022; being the maiden edition of the conference. The conference also aims to create interactive and networking opportunities, as well as information sharing among the diverse participants of the event. During the three-day event, there will be interaction among participants through plenary speeches, research paper presentations, dialogue of researchers with farmers, producers and input merchants and policy makers, journalists, as well as exhibition of organic products and projects. The event will also provide opportunities for regional and continental meetings related to organic agriculture and agroecology, as well as a field trip to SEKEM Community on the last day, with optional post conference eco-tourism activities. Moreover, there shall be opportunity for consultation and press conference during the event.