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AFRICANCROPS.NET A Website on Improvement of African Crops and Seed Systems |
Biotechnology, Breeding & Seed Systems for African Crops An Activity of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Food Security Program |
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Conference Home Highlights from Opening Day of the Conference
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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.
Informal
interactions among participants during tea breaks is evident at the
conference
An
oral presentation in progress by one of the female participants