WEMA Project Reaches Out to Stakeholders

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) organized a Kenya stakeholders' meeting at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) last January 20, 2010 where progress of the Water Efficient Maize (WEMA) Project was discussed. Participants included researchers, scientists, academicians, seed company representatives, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and project partners.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Wilson Songa, Kenya's Agriculture Secretary, said that the WEMA project is in line with Kenya's Vision 2030. The Vision recommends intensified application of science and technology to raise productivity and efficiency levels particularly in the agricultural sector. Dr Ephraim Mukisira, KARI Director, urged scientists to explore all possible ways that biotechnology tools can be used to address the impact of climate change in agriculture. The WEMA project team was urged to work closely with The National Biotechnology Awareness strategy, whose mission is to empower the Kenyan public to make informed decisions on the use and benefits of biotechnology and its products through a participatory awareness process.

For more information, email g.wachoro@aatf-africa.org.