Annan Holds Fact-Finding Mission with Agric Players

Kofi Annan, the new Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recently held his first fact-finding mission visiting farmers, agrodealers, plant-breeders and others in Western Kenya, whose efforts are helping to launch a uniquely African Green Revolution. AGRA is currently involved with programs ranging from strengthening agricultural markets to using conventional breeding to develop seed varieties that cope better with stressful African climates; helping improve water use and soil health; to improving training for farmers.

“The Alliance and the Government of Kenya can work together to build on these successes, if we are to lift millions of smallholder farmers and their families out of poverty,” said Annan. He also highlighted the important roles that farmers, agricultural scientists, and entrepreneurs play in supporting the economy of Kenya. For example, networks of agrodealers that are trained to deliver products of agricultural research to the poor have been helping small rural businesses expand, and helping farmers as well by reducing the distance farmers must travel to get farm inputs. "Not every one has to work in the city," said Annan, "agriculture is a noble profession."

To read more, visit http://www.agra-alliance.org/news/pr071607.html.