Agriculture Science Week sets agenda for Africa’s food security

Africa feeding Africa through Agricultural Science and Innovation is this year's theme at the 6^th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) which kicks off on the 15^th through to 20^th of July, 2013 in Accra, Ghana. 

The Week will bring together over 1,200 delegates including Ministers of agriculture, science and technology, researchers, farmers, extensionists, civil society and development partners to discuss the role of agricultural science and innovation in finding and strengthening local solutions to the urgent food security challenges in Africa. 

The event is organized by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and holds at the International Conference Centre in Accra.

“The Science Week, and the range of events taking place during it, plays a critical role in responding to burning issues in African agricultural research and development”, said Dr. Tiemoko Yo, Chairperson of FARA. “The recommendations emanating from the pre-plenary meetings, which will be presented at plenary will take center stage in shaping Africa’s agenda for food security, poverty reduction and economic development over the next three years and will also contribute to global initiatives for African development for the post MDG era”. 

With the target date for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) drawing nearer, the Week’s topics are particularly relevant given that food and nutrition security remain key challenges especially in Africa, with a focus on home-grown food security and innovations that will enable Africa feed itself and improve livelihoods. 

There will be a ‘Marketplace’ of exhibitions as well as 51 side-events organized by global stakeholders and organizations engaged in agriculture and rural development around the sub-themes of the Week. The recommendations of these meetings will be presented during Plenary Sessions on the 19^th of July.

The CGIAR Consortium will particularly be represented by more than 60 scientists and experts who would be demonstrating the role of agricultural research in helping “Africa feed Africa”.

The Consortium is a partnership of 15 of the world's leading research centers. More than 50% of CGIAR's funding is driven towards a solutions-based research approach, in support of improving food security in Africa. Its work in the region is more critical than ever, given its proven track in translating its research findings into practical home-grown solutions to associated challenges.

“CGIAR research is helping to improve food security, health and nutrition and natural resource management, alongside reducing poverty and mitigating and adapting to climate change across Africa.  This demonstrates the vital role that research has to play in providing solutions to some of the biggest challenges that the region and world are facing", Dr Frank Rijsberman, Chief Executive Officer of the CGIAR Consortium said.

The AASW would have sub-themes on education and human resource development, innovations to improve productivity and resilience, moving from competition to collaboration and innovative financing and investment in agriculture.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh