Some of the world’s finest agricultural engineers are set to headline the International Symposium hosted by the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) and the Pan African Society for Agricultural Engineering (PASAE) from Wednesday, 23 to Friday, 25 October 2024.
The event, held at the scenic Houw Hoek Hotel in the Western Cape, promises to be a landmark occasion in the agricultural engineering calendar. It marks SAIAE’s 60th Anniversary and PASAE’s 6th International Conference.
A stellar lineup of experts will share their ground-breaking research and advancements. This includes Alastair Taylor, a United Kingdom-based agricultural engineer and agritech specialist, who will explore the field’s contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His talk will focus on how engineering solutions are pivotal in advancing sustainability across Africa.
Professor Michael Faborode, PASAE president and professor of agricultural engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, will discuss sustainable technologies for agricultural value-chain mechanisation in Africa. His presentation will highlight emerging technologies transforming agricultural value chains and promoting sustainability.
Charlie Nicklin, chief executive of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers in the UK, will speak on trends in agriculture technology and new directions for agricultural engineering professional bodies.
Traveling from Kenya is Professor Lawrence Gumbe, chairman of the Kenya Society of Environmental, Biological and Agricultural Engineers. He will present on agricultural mechanisation within the African context.
Two leading South African agricultural economists, Dr Sifiso Ntombela and Wandile Sihlobo, are also confirmed to headline the SAIAE and PASEA International Symposium. Ntombela is the president of the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa. His presentation will explore the potential for growth and innovation within South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, will provide insights into agricultural engineering economy in the broader African context. His talk will examine the economic implications of engineering innovations on agricultural practices throughout Africa.
Technical tours and networking opportunities
The symposium will furthermore feature exclusive technical tours, offering participants a firsthand look at leading agricultural practices and innovations. Tours will include visits to Paul Clüver Family Wines, Kromco, Two-A-Day Packing Facility, and the Palmiet Pumped Storage Scheme.
A cocktail networking event on the evening of Tuesday, 22 October will provide delegates with the opportunity to connect with peers and discuss the latest developments in agricultural engineering.
Registration is open for both in-person and virtual attendance, with early registration recommended due to limited spaces for technical tours. For further information on registration, keynote speakers, technical tours, and networking events, visit the official SAIAE and PASAE websites.
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