Alumni Workshop - Hohenheim 2025

7th - 14th September 2025

'Synthesis – Identifying Pathways for Sustainable Agro-ecosystems Transformation'

Workshop Impressions

Building resilient and sustainable food systems requires innovative approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the synthesis of knowledge from diverse agro-ecological contexts. This year's DAAD Agri-Alumni-Net Workshop brought together African alumni of German universities for an intensive program spanning Hohenheim and Bonn, Germany.

The workshop focused on identifying and scaling pathways for sustainable agro-ecosystem transformation, combining field visits to cutting-edge agricultural systems in Germany with participation in Tropentag 2025, the premier international conference on food security and natural resource management.

Organized by the University of Hohenheim in collaboration with Hawassa University, and funded by DAAD and BMZ, this workshop provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative strategy development for advancing sustainable agriculture across Africa.

Program Summary

The 9-day program combined immersive field experiences in Baden-Württemberg's agricultural systems with participation in Tropentag 2025 in Bonn. Participants engaged in farm excursions, guided discussions, presentation sessions, and strategic planning workshops focused on scaling and disseminating good agricultural practices.

Key Program Components

  • Field Excursions: Visits to innovative farms including dairy operations with automated milking systems, organic Demeter farms, and vineyard operations
  • Academic Engagement: Keynote speeches, participant presentations, and guided tours of Hohenheim's Phytotechnikum research facilities
  • Tropentag 2025: Pre-conference workshop on "Scaling, adoption and dissemination of good agricultural practices and innovations for food systems in Africa" plus full conference participation
  • Strategy Development: Collaborative workshops on alumni cooperation, priority setting for sustainable transformation, and formation of alumni networks

Program Highlights

Farm & Agricultural Visits:

  • Haldenhof (Beuren) - Modern dairy operations featuring automated milking systems and digital farm management
  • Demeter-Hof Ziegelhütte - Organic (Demeter-certified) farming with focus on sustainable practices and artisanal cheese production
  • Vineyards in Metzingen - Traditional viticulture in the Swabian wine region

Research & Academic Institutions:

  • University of Hohenheim - Guided tour of the Phytotechnikum research facilities
  • Keynote and presentations by leading experts in social and institutional change in agricultural systems
  • Participant presentations sharing research and practical experiences from African contexts

Tropentag 2025 Conference - Bonn:

  • Pre-conference Workshop 24: "Scaling, adoption and dissemination of good agricultural practices and innovations for food systems in Africa"
  • Full conference participation in Tropentag 2025: "Reclaiming Land System Change with Planetary Health"
  • Networking opportunities with international researchers, practitioners, and policymakers
  • Social events including official Tropentag dinner and social gathering

Strategy & Alumni Development:

  • Transdisciplinary workshops on priority setting for sustainable agro-ecosystem transformation
  • World Café planning sessions for collaborative research and implementation strategies
  • Alumni cooperation strategy workshop focusing on network formation and funding opportunities
  • Formation of alumni clubs in participants' home countries for sustained collaboration

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