Biotechnology

The conference was officially opened by the Uganda's Minister for Agriculture Hon. Wilberforce K. Mugerwa (left and right). The minister challenged participants to educate the public and governments on biotechnology in order to counter the current 'anti-biotechnology activism'. He emphasized the need for Africa to tap the opportunities offered by biotechnology and avoid the mistakes that saw Africa by-passed by the Green Revolution.
The President of the Rockefeller Foundation Dr. Gordon Conway delivering the conference's Keynote Address. The President emphasized the need to use biotechnology to counter the deteriorating food insecurity situation in sub-Saharan Africa. He also reiterated the Foundation's commitment to supporting scientific research in sub-Saharan Africa.	The Rockefeller Foundation's Director of Food Security, Dr. Gary Toenniessen delivering his Welcome remarks to the participants. Dr. Toenniessen announced the formation of a Scientific Committee to oversee the implementation of the Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems activities in sub-Saharan Africa.

Participants posing for a group photo during the conference
Participants (right and left) keenly following presentations during the conference
Informal interactions among participants during tea breaks is evident at the conference	The Deputy Director of the Food Security Program at the Rockefeller Foundation Dr. Peter Matlon chatting with participants during the tea break
An oral presentation in progress by one of the female participants	Participants trooping back to the conference after a break