Biotech Updates

New Program to Provide Grants to Bioscientists in East Africa

March 25, 2011

Bioresources Innovation Network for Eastern Africa Development (Bio-Innovate) Program was launched at the Nairobi headquarters of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on March 16, 2011. The program will provide grants to bioscientists working to improve food production and environmental management in eastern Africa.

"By focusing on improving the performance of crop agriculture and agro-processing, and by adding value to primary production, we can help build a more productive and sustainable regional bioresources-based economy," said Seyoum Leta, Bio-Innovate's program manager.

The five-year program is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). Bio-Innovate is managed by ILRI and co-located within the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BeCA) Hub at ILRI's Nairobi campus. Bio-Innovate will be implemented in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

For more on Bio-Innovate, contact Dr. Leta Seyoum, Program Manager at s.leta@cgiar.org.