Japan Forum and Associated Events, July 13-15, 2005, Tokyo, Japan

"Perspectives of R&D for Improving Agricultural Productivity in Africa - what and how can Japan contribute to Africa?" was the theme at the J-FARD & JIRCAS International Symposium held at the U Thant Conference Hall, United Nations University, Tokyo, Japan. The conference was co-sponsored by JICA / UNU/ FAOLOJA and held under the auspices of the CGIAR, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

A series of presentations were introduced by the JIRCAS President and cosponsor organizations. CGIAR Chairman Ian Johnson delivered a keynote speech on "Opportunities and Challenges of African Agriculture". Historical perspectives, research highlights, development impact and collaborative research ventures were discussed. The latter topic was illustrated by a series of presentations by Directors General of CGIAR Centers.

Photos

Left to right: I. Johnson, CGIAR Chairman, Dr. S. Inanaga, JIRCAS President, F. Reifschneider, CGIAR Director	I. Johnson, CGIAR Chairman delivers keynote speech
Panel discussion on viewpoints of research cooperation with CGIAR Directors General. from left to right: K. Nwanze, Africa Rice Center, P. Hartmann, IITA, D. Garrity, WorldAgroforestry, A. El-Beltagy, ICARDA, and M. Iwanaga, CIMMYT	W. Dar, Director General of ICRISAT, addresses the symposium.
Symposium at U Thant Conference Hall	Media briefing
CGIAR exhibit at U Thant Conference Hall	CGIAR exhibit at U Thant Conference Hall

Related Links:

• Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences
• Japan International Forum on International Agricultural Research for Sustainable Development (J-FARD)