Africa
March 1, 2007
Two African development
organisations have agreed to combine research efforts in a bid
to increase Africa's agricultural productivity.
The New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD) and
the Forum on African Research in Agriculture (FARA) will
combine their strengths, in order to bring new agricultural
technologies to farmers.
In consultation with the NEPAD member countries, FARA — which
has over 100 members including national agriculture research
institutions, nongovernmental organisations, farmer
organisations and private enterprises — will identify priority
activities for collaboration in African agricultural research.
In turn, NEPAD will use its links with the international
community and development partners to support these efforts
financially.
At the signing ceremony in Midrand, South Africa last week (20
February), NEPAD's chief executive officer, Firmino Mucavele,
said agricultural productivity must be improved for Africa's
economy to grow.
"It is our hope that the important efforts being put in motion
by FARA will yield tangible results that will benefit the
livelihoods of the vast majority of the rural farming
population," said Mucavele.
He stressed that the partners will develop a joint strategy for
disseminating information and knowledge generated by NEPAD's
Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (see
Major plan to boost African agriculture unveiled).
The organisations will also develop a joint capacity building
initiative, including postgraduate training and short-term
training of agricultural professionals at the regional and
national level.
Mucavele said NEPAD is committed to supporting FARA in its
"excellent efforts" in increasing African agricultural
productivity.
James Keeley, researcher for Sustainable Agriculture,
Biodiversity and Livelihoods at the International Institute for
Environment and Development told SciDev.Net that the programme
might provide new opportunities for African farmers and
researchers.
He appealed to FARA and NEPAD to engage the media in
disseminating information on new agricultural technologies and
research outputs. |
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