African Agriculture Receives Boost
By:Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh
Email:ankiilu@yahoo.com
THE African Union Commission (AUC) and Consortium of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR Consortium) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in an event that highlights continued progress towards African agricultural sustainability.
Commissioner for Rural Economy, Rhoda Tumusiime and CGIAR Chief Executive Officer Frank Rijsberman on behalf of the two organisations.
The MoU describes a strategic partnership under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) of the AUC and CGIAR Consortium to facilitate, “enhanced coordination, collaboration, and alignment between CGIAR Consortium members and initiatives and those of African agricultural research and development organisations at the country, sub-regional, and continental levels with regard to their respective priorities, objectives, and programs for increased agricultural productivity in Africa.”
Tumusiime stated the signing of the MoU had a special significance as it came at a time global attention had focused on Africa’s resolve to shoulder its responsibilities of making hunger and destitution history.
“The AUC recognizes that feeding Africa’s population and enabling agriculture play a critical economic transformation role in much of Africa needs to be supported by tried and tested technologies and home-grown policy initiatives.”
Rijsberman stated, “Through better alignment with CAADP, CGIAR can help ensure that we are providing the right science for real impact on the ground.”
The MoU calls for joint actions to guide implementation of alignment of programs and support activities for CAADP, including: a research alignment plan that coordinates research programs with CAADP National Investment Plans; a Science and Technology Agenda for African Agriculture; a joint plan to support regional and sub-regional research activities; the development of joint African and CGIAR technology platforms; technical support; and joint sharing of information and knowledge. CAJ News
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