New Strategic Partnership to Advance S&T Agenda for African Agriculture

The African Union Commission (AUC) Commission for Rural Economy and Agriculture and the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) to collaborate on a science-based agricultural transformation in Africa. The new pact was signed by AUC's Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, H.E. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime and CGIAR's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Frank Rijsberman on 15 January 2012.

In her welcome remarks during the signing ceremony, held at the AUC Headquarters, H.E. Tumusiime stated that "The signing of this MoU with CGIAR Consortium has a special significance, for it comes at a time when global attention has focused on Africa's resolve to shoulder its responsibilities of making hunger and destitution history." She further stated that, "The AUC recognizes that feeding Africa's population and enabling agriculture play a critical economic transformation role since much of Africa needs to be supported by tried and tested technologies and home-grown policy initiatives."

The MoU describes a strategic partnership to "enhance coordination, collaboration, and alignment between CGIAR Consortium members and initiatives, and those of African agricultural research and development organizations at the country, sub-regional, and continental levels with regard to their respective priorities, objectives, and programs for increased agricultural productivity in Africa."

 For the full article, go to http://www.cgiar.org/consortium-news/african-union-commission-and-cgiar-consortium-form-new-strategic-partnership/.