Although current African food production systems have enabled a substantial increase in food production, farming practices have had adverse environmental effects and many people still do not have enough to eat.

The research and innovation institutes from 21 countries will aim to address these issues through their collaboration in the new initiative, named PROIntensAfrica.

"It is projected that the expected growth in the world population from 7 to 9 billion and the changing diets will require 70 per cent more food by 2050.

"There is no single solution to production increase, so a diversity of pathways for sustainable intensification needs to be explored and exploited," commented Huub Löffler from Wageningen University, the coordinator of the initiative.

Dr Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), said: "The PROIntensAfrica initiative will go beyond the debate of best systems for sustainable intensification in Africa.

"We will combine elements of different systems, yielding into innovative systems to optimally meet specific requirements."

The ambition of PROIntensAfrica is to formulate a universal research agenda but also to collaborate on policy and funding work, co-developing mechanisms for an effective long term partnership between the EU and African countries.

Consultation, case studies and stakeholder panel workshops are a major part of the activities of the new initiative.

A wide range of strategic stakeholders will be invited to contribute to the project. Communication is considered crucial to develop and enhance the interactive dialogue between all stakeholders.

The PROIntensAfrica project starts with a workshop in Accra, Ghana, in April 2015.