Qinisa Initiative: Strengthening agricultural greenhouse gas research in Southern Africa
The highly anticipated Qinisa Initiative, a flagship programme under the ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS), hosted at Future Africa (University of Pretoria), in partnership with the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) and the Global Research Alliance for Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), was launched on the 27th of August 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria, South Africa.
Documents, photos and links can be downloaded from the right-hand sidebar.
The Qinisa Introductory Webinar can be viewed below.
Prof. Francis Petersen
In a powerful endorsement of the Qinisa Initiative, Prof. Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, highlighted its role in driving agricultural GHG mitigation through a holistic, cross-sectoral approach. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, co-creation, and technology transfer in agriculture, ensuring scientifically sound solutions that benefit communities at the grassroots level.
With strong support from Future Africa, the New Zealand Government, the GRA, and global researchers, Prof. Petersen reaffirmed the University’s commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle food security and sustainability challenges.
Watch the video to learn more about how partnerships and technology are shaping the future of sustainable agriculture!
H.E. Philip Hewitt
“Today, we took off our shoes, put on gumboots, and stepped onto the farm!” – New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E. Philip Hewitt experienced firsthand the groundbreaking high-tech agricultural GHG measurement system—the only one of its kind in Southern Africa!
Research, coordination, and innovation are at the heart of the Qinisa Initiative, and New Zealand is proud to support evidence-based decision-making to drive real impact. Ambassador Hewitt emphasized the power of partnerships and investment in shaping a more sustainable future for agriculture.
The future of farming is here! Watch the video to see how science, technology, and collaboration are transforming the way we tackle GHG mitigation.
Dr Linde du Toit
Delegates witnessed innovation in action as Dr Linde du Toit led a tour of the GHG Measurement Hub, a flagship project hosted by the University of Pretoria and supported by the GRA. This state-of-the-art hub is revolutionizing how agricultural GHG emissions are measured—featuring a mobile, real-time data collection system now accessible to regional partners for the first time!
More than technology—it’s about partnerships! The Qinisa Initiative is driving collaboration, capacity building, and resource alignment, ensuring that research leads to real-world solutions for sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods.
A major step forward for the region! Watch the video to see how cutting-edge science and partnerships are shaping the future of farming.