Building Capacity in Crop Modeling to Advance Circular Food Systems in Southern Africa
Training Equips Researchers to Support Smallholder Farmers with Climate-Smart, Sustainable Agriculture
A new wave of agricultural innovation is taking root in Southern Africa as researchers are empowered with advanced skills in crop modeling to support Circular Food Systems (CFS).
To strengthen decision-making tools for smallholder farmers, a five-day intensive training workshop was held from 17-21 March 2025 at the ICRISAT Matopos Research Station in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Organized by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the workshop brought together nine researchers from Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe—most of them new users—eager to explore data-driven solutions for climate-smart agriculture.
Held under the theme "Building Expertise in the APSIM Model and its Application for Circular Food Systems in Southern Africa," the participants were trained in using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM), one of the world’s leading modeling platforms for simulating biophysical processes in farming systems.
At ICRISAT, we are committed to equipping researchers with cutting-edge simulation tools to drive climate-smart solutions. Strengthening capacity in crop modeling is key to supporting smallholder farmers, advancing circular food systems, and building resilient, sustainable agricultural ecosystems across Southern Africa,” said Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT.
The training was facilitated by Dr Folorunso Akinseye, Senior Scientist–Agronomy and Agroclimatology at ICRISAT; and Dr Emanuel Jacob from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The duo provided hands-on experience using crop-water productivity and climate tools, demonstrating how these systems can help smallholder farmers optimize productivity while conserving resources.
Central to the training was the application of APSIM to investigate how adopting CFS practices can increase productivity and profitability without substantially increasing water usage in smallholder farming systems. Circular Food Systems emphasize the recycling and re-use of nutrients and organic matter within farm ecosystems, contributing to climate resilience and reduced environmental impacts.
“This initiative reflects ICRISAT’s commitment to building capacity across Africa, empowering researchers to harness cutting-edge tools for climate-smart, sustainable agriculture. In strengthening modeling expertise, we equip our partners to drive impactful solutions that enhance smallholder resilience, boost productivity, and advance food security across the continent,” said Dr Rebbie Harawa, Director, Africa Program, ICRISAT.
Researchers explored various scenarios within APSIM, including the introduction of CFS practices such as organic manure application, soil structure improvement, and the use of soil water and nutrient monitoring technologies. Comparative models were run to assess differences between traditional linear production systems and farms integrating CFS elements, with a focus on efficient water use and enhanced drought resilience.
The workshop also included topical discussions on how to integrate multiple modeling components to achieve holistic farm system analysis. Participants left the training with an improved capacity to collect and analyze agricultural data, which is critical for advising smallholder farmers on practices that can improve yields, profitability, and sustainability.
The CFS project, led by Prof. Jamie Pittock of the Australian National University, is focused on enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change, improving livelihoods, and reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.
“Empowering smallholder farmers with climate-resilient agricultural practices is crucial for a sustainable future. This project aims to not only enhance farmers' resilience to climate change but also improve their livelihoods and reduce agriculture's environmental impact,” said Prof. Pittock.
This training is expected to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart, circular food practices in Southern Africa by ensuring that researchers have the necessary tools to drive innovation and influence policy for long-term agricultural transformation.
This work aligns with SDGs 2, 13 & 17
