African Network for Soil Biology and Fertility (AfNet)

The African Network for Soil Biology and Fertility (AfNet) was established in 1988 as a pan-African Network of researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa. AfNet is the single most important implementing agency of Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (TSBF-CIAT) in Africa. More recently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and The International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) for hosting AfNet under the umbrella of FARA. AfNet comprises:

a) the AfNet coordination unit

b) the AfNet Steering Committee and,

c) the members.

The AfNet Coordination Unit consists of the coordinator, a research assistant, an administrative assistant, and information/database manager. The AfNet Steering Committee consists of a multi-disciplinary and gender balanced team of African scientists drawn from the Eastern, Southern, Central and Western Africa regions. Since its inception, AfNet has grown steadily and the current membership stands at over 500 scientists.

The Network aims at strengthening and sustaining stakeholder capacity to generate, share and apply soil fertility management knowledge and skills to contribute to the welfare of farming communities in the Africa. AfNet achieves its mission through its main thrusts namely:

i) Research and development activities;

ii) Revival and strengthening of capacity for research for development;

iii) Information dissemination and knowledge management;

iv) Networking for impact;

v) Strategic alliances and partnerships

AfNet’s is currently backstopping AGRA sponsored country projects using the best technological options and proven scientific approaches that are the backbone in designing and implementing country projects.