Dr. Harison Kipkulei, a postdoctoral researcher with the Climate Resilience of Human-Made Ecosystems group, attended the Tropentag 2025 Conference in Bonn, Germany, from 10–12 September. The annual event brought together experts and practitioners to share interdisciplinary perspectives on tropical and subtropical agriculture, natural resource management, and rural development. Dr. Kipkulei contributed to the research session “Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation”, where he presented his work on the potential of micro-scale household surveys for analyzing agricultural systems and production drivers in sub-Saharan Africa. His presentation highlighted how micro-scale data can shed light on both climatic and non-climatic factors influencing planting dates in Ethiopia’s maize farming systems.

The 2025 conference centered on how agricultural systems can adapt to global challenges while ensuring sustainable land use and planetary health. The program featured plenary debates, keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and oral and poster presentations. Key discussions emphasized balancing productivity with conservation, strengthening soil and water management, and integrating livestock, crops, and agroforestry into resilient farming landscapes. Participants also examined how policies, market mechanisms, and knowledge exchange can foster land-use systems that sustain both people and the planet.