Collaboration & co-operation critical to achieving home grown food security
19 July 2013 (Accra, Ghana) – Strong and dynamic partnerships will be key to addressing the challenges of poverty and food security in Africa; this is the message that Dr. Frank Rijsberman, CEO of the CGIAR Consortium, has been delivering this week at the Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) in Accra, Ghana.
During a plenary keynote speech on July 19th on the topic of ‘The challenge of food security and the evolution of CGIAR’, Dr. Rijsberman outlined how partnerships are contributing to CGIAR’s commitment to clear development outcomes for which it will be held accountable. Dr. Rijsberman highlighted the need for collaboration and coordination to ensure better alignment of research priorities, as well as to support uptake of new technologies. He also highlighted the reformed CGIAR, which supports 16 cross-cutting research programs which are collaborations of the CGIAR Consortium’s 15 Research Centers, along with hundreds of other partners, all focused on achieving a food-secure future.
In his speech, Dr. Rijsberman said:
“The CGIAR Consortium is developing clear and standardized indicators for all of its Research Programs, which will more clearly demonstrate the connection between our research and development outcomes, as well as the SDGs. But this will only be possible through strong partnerships with implementers as well as NARS, SROs and FARA. In 2012, CGIAR invested 53% of its funding in Africa, so we are clearly committed to supporting our African partners to reduce poverty and improve food security in sustainable ways.
Through our partnership with CAADP, and our MOU with the AUC, we are building stronger alliances with our African partners. This process is helping CGIAR Research Programs to better align their research with the priorities of development partners including CAADP National Investment Plans. By ensuring the alignment of priorities and taking a collaborative approach to achieving these, we will help meet the real needs of smallholder farmers and their families, and the African people whose future depends on them. “
This same message was echoed the previous day by Dr. Jimmy Smith, Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), one of the member Centers of the CGIAR Consortium, at a press conference comprised of key dignitaries. On the panel with Dr. Smith were Dr. Tiemoko Yo, Chairman, of the Board of FARA, Ambassador Professor Monty Jones, Executive Director Of FARA, Hon Clement Kofi Humado, Ghana’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze, President Of IFAD, Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO, NEPAD and Her Excellency Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner, AUC-DREA.
In his remarks, Dr. Smith said:
“The CGIAR Consortium is committed to Africa. Three of our Centers are based in Africa, and all of our 15 global research programs are working in Africa. More than 50% of our budget goes to agricultural research in Africa, and ILRI is proud to be part of that work.”
Africa Agriculture Science Week, hosted by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, runs until Saturday 20th July 2013 at the International Conference Centre, Accra, Ghana. Representatives from eleven CGIAR Research Centers and six CGIAR Research Programs are in attendance.
CGIAR
CGIAR is a global partnership that unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. CGIAR research is dedicated to reducing rural poverty, increasing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and ensuring more sustainable management of natural resources. It is carried out by the 15 centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in close collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector. www.cgiar.org
For further information:
To request an interview or quotes from representatives and further information on the CGIAR Consortium, Centers and Research Programs, please contact:
Eleanor Turner
+44 (0) 7814 513941
eleanort@glasshousepartnership.com
To learn more at meet with representatives from CGIAR Research Centers and Research Programs, visit booth numbers: 24, 26, 36 & 38 at Africa Agriculture Science Week.
Follow Africa Agriculture Science Week online:
- On the CGIAR at AASW6 page: http://www.cgiar.org/calendar-events/africa-agriculture-science-week-2013/
- On the AASW webpage: http://www.fara-africa.org/scienceweek/
- On Twitter via @FARAinfo and @CGIAR - and the #AASW6 tag
- On Facebook via the CGIAR and FARA Facebook pages
- On the AASW6 blog: http://aasw6.wordpress.com/