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Africa Must Deploy Adequate Technologies to Transform Agriculture From Subsistence – Premier Murekezi

Agriculture development stakeholders from across the continent and beyond are convened in Kigali for the 7th Africa Agriculture Science week which runs from 13-16 June, 2016. The week is an occasion to discuss how agriculture science, technology and innovations can contribute towards accelerating the continent’s socio-economic transformation.

Opening the discussions, Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi pointed out that the forum should be an opportunity to discuss how science, technology and innovation can be used to speed-up transformation in the agriculture sector which currently employs 65% of Africa’s labour force and leads inclusive growth driver on the continent.

“To transform Agriculture from subsistence to market oriented in this era of climate change, Africa must deploy adequate technologies that add value across the agricultural value chain,” Premier Murekezi said.

The 7th FARA Science Week and Annual General Assembly brings about 1,000 agriculture development stakeholders from the continent and beyond, including scientists, international development partners, policy makers and investors.

The Forum offers an opportunity to learn from other countries’ achievements in agriculture development and share experiences.

Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, the African Development Bank President, who also co-chairs the meeting, said that a more food secure Africa would reduce food imports and increase food exports to stabilise foreign exchanges and economy.

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex continental organisation responsible for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research-for-development. FARA serves as the technical arm of the African Union Commission on matters concerning agriculture science, technology and innovation. This event is organised every three years. The last edition was held in Accra, Ghana in July 2013.

This event has coincided with the weeklong 11th National Agriculture Show (Agrishow) underway at Mulindi show ground from 13-20 June 2016. Themed “Invest in Agricultural Innovations for Prosperity,” the exhibition showcases agricultural innovations from the continent and beyond.

Also happening is the Farmer to Farmer Extension, an international learning event co-organised by the Rwanda Agriculture Board and the Belgian Technical Cooperation.

Source: allafrica.com

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