Ames, Iowa
June 24, 2009
An
Iowa State University
professor is leading a project that will connect African
agricultural experts scattered across North America with
representatives in the African continent.
Agronomy Professor and George Washington Carver Chair Andrew
Manu is vice president on the board of the newly formed
Association of African Agricultural Professionals in Diaspora,
or AAAPD. The group will serve as a knowledge resource to advise
on agricultural practices and policies in Africa.
"There are many people who grew up in Africa and left for better
opportunities," said Manu. "Many of us want to give back because
we know we've been given a great gift. AAAPD will coordinate the
efforts of so many Africans who want to make an impact not just
for their families, but at the community and national level."
The initial project for AAAPD will be to build a Web-based
resource to connect African agricultural professionals together.
The public database will be available to African agencies and
others to locate agricultural experts who understand the
agronomic and cultural climate in various regions of Africa when
making recommendations.
Once the database and Web site are complete, Manu expects many
existing projects in Africa with similar or complementary goals
will be linked together because of AAAPD.
Iowa State University received a $234,000 grant from the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation for the project, which will be
implemented by AAAPD. |
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