The first session explored technological innovations shaping modern precision agriculture. Presentations examined diverse themes, from the development and validation of a CFD thermal model for small-scale greenhouses in Botswana’s semi-arid climate to AI-driven analyses for climate change mitigation and food security. Other studies evaluated the impact of conservation and precision management on cereal production in Greece and the use of remote-sensing technologies for smart irrigation and water optimization. Together, these works underscored the power of data-driven and engineering-based solutions in improving agricultural efficiency and resilience.

This continuation of the precision agriculture theme emphasized innovative tools and data-based approaches to address climate variability and resource management. Topics included spatio-temporal drought characteristics in Ethiopia and their link to local food security, the design and testing of IoT-based systems for monitoring tractor-implement performance, and a comprehensive overview of air-based sensors for efficient farming in Southern Africa. The session highlighted the growing integration of smart systems and sensor networks in building climate-adaptive and sustainable farming practices.

Session 3 brought together socio-economic insights and agricultural extension perspectives from various regions. A baseline household survey in Sarawak assessed community livelihoods linked to the Nipah industry, while studies from South Africa and Malawi examined barriers to digital technology adoption, gender gaps in agricultural technology use, and adaptive capacities of communal livestock farmers facing droughts and floods. The discussions revealed how financial inclusion, gender equity, and capacity building are crucial for empowering smallholder farmers and strengthening agricultural resilience.

The fourth session delved into environmental sustainability and resource management in agriculture. Research covered the full potential of pumpkins for sustainable food systems, biochar-based bioengineering approaches for improved soil-plant interactions, and microbial bio-control methods for rice diseases. Additional studies assessed rice farming sustainability in India, soil stability improvement through compost amendments, and biochar as a remediation tool for contaminated soils. Collectively, the session reinforced the importance of circular solutions and ecological balance in modern farming.

Continuing the sustainability dialogue, this session highlighted innovative technologies and behavioral aspects of sustainable farming. Presentations ranged from the design of hybrid solar dryers and life-cycle assessments in Japan’s apple production to carbon budgeting in palm oil industries. Studies also examined gender differences in adopting sustainable practices, AI-based innovations for smart farming, and perceptions of conservation agriculture in South Africa. The discussions demonstrated how technological innovation, inclusivity, and local engagement can advance sustainable agricultural transformations.

Poster presentations showcased experimental and applied studies addressing plant growth, microbial ecology, and agricultural technology. Research included the plant-growth promotion effects of Phialocephala fortinii, microbial-volatile interactions in Sudanese fermented milk, and root-endophyte dynamics in synthetic wheat varieties. A technical evaluation of drone sprayers for pest management in oil palm plantations illustrated precision approaches to sustainability. Collectively, these posters reflected the diversity of research fostering innovation and ecological understanding in agricultural science.

This session focused on safeguarding food systems through legal, analytical, and agronomic perspectives. Topics included food standardization and GI-related legislation in India, applications of Pareto charts for prolonging shelf life, and challenges in mycotoxin analysis caused by sample heterogeneity. A study from Saudi Arabia evaluated quinoa varieties under arid conditions, addressing nutritional and yield outcomes. Together, the session emphasized multi-disciplinary approaches to ensuring food quality, safety, and sustainability across diverse agricultural contexts.

The final poster session presented research spanning food chemistry, winemaking, forages, and socioeconomics. Highlights included biochemical analyses of date palm fruit astringency, alternative microbial control methods for wine production, and evaluations of multi-purpose forages for smallholder productivity in Malawi. Socioeconomic studies investigated farmers’ access to financial credit and their willingness to adopt fodder seed technologies in South Africa. These contributions reflected the integration of food science, sustainability, and policy perspectives in achieving secure and equitable agricultural futures.