AfDB, IFPRI to hold meeting on agriculture biotechnology in Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) will be holding an important meeting to present and discuss the findings and recommendations of a study commissioned by AfDB on agriculture biotechnology for Africa from February 15-16 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The AfDB said it commissioned IFPRI in June 2011 to conduct a comprehensive and evidence-based study on agriculture biotechnology in Africa to assist countries to address their agriculture and food security problems.

“The consultation meeting will discuss the findings and recommendations of the study for broad stakeholder validation, prioritize key areas which need to be addressed, and identify and agree on roles, responsibilities and resources needed to implement priority actions,” said the Bank in a statement.

Some of the main recommendations from the study include the need to enhance support for data collection, capacity building; renewed cooperation on biotechnology with sub-Saharan African countries, and outreach and communication to the public at large, the Bank indicated.

Approximately 80 representatives of development organizations, senior African policy makers, private sector officials, scientists, researchers, and farmers organizations will participate in the meeting, the AfDB said.

By Ekow Quandzie