How can agricultural research better contribute to enhancing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agriculture? And deliver real benefits to poor farming communities? These were the overarching questions covered during a “Ministerial Conversation” co-chaired by Njabulo Nduli of South Africa and Chair, Forum on Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and Ian Johnson, CGIAR Chairman, held during the Science Forum.

H.E. Professor Mouhattane Mohamed, State Secretary of Rural Development, Morocco began by outlining the Moroccan government’s efforts to boost agricultural growth through science-based efforts.

H.E. Venancio Massingue, Minister of Science and Technology, Mozambique noted that agricultural improvements are a “big, big, opportunity” for promoting economic growth in a poor country, struggling in the aftermath of conflict. He cited the wisdom of a freedom fighter who said success in the war against poverty will require scientists to become soldiers, and new knowledge must be their weapon of choice.

H.E. Adel Safar, Minister of Agriculture, Syria, spoke about his government’s efforts to make scientific agricultural research a priority, noting Syria’s long-standing support for and cooperation with ICARDA. Syria has increased its support for agriculture by 40 percent, and has established four research centers to help farmers obtain new technologies to address water conservation and land degradation issues.

H.E. Habib Sy, Minister of Agriculture and Hydrology, Senegal, began by asking the rhetorical question: where is the global market? He spoke about the need for a strong marketing and production system, saying that poor farmers need all the help they can get to reduce market uncertainty. Senegal is a member of the WARDA Council of Ministers, and an active participant in the CGIAR.

A vigorous round of questions from the floor engaged the Ministers, providing CGIAR stakeholders an opportunity to benefit from the views and perspectives of public policymakers.

H.E. Prof. Mouhattane Mohamed, State Secretary of Rural Development, Morocco.

H.E. Venancio Massingue, Minister of Science and Technology, Mozambique.

H.E. Adel Safar, Minister of Agriculture, Syria.

H.E. Habib Sy, Minister of Agriculture and Hydrology, Senegal.

Dr. Njabulo Nduli, Chair, FARA, co-chairs the Conversation with Ministers.