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Purpose
The primary purpose of this gathering is to give plant breeders, molecular
biologists, and seed specialists linked to The Rockefeller Foundation's
Program on African Crops an opportunity to report on progress made since
the last meeting in Nairobi, Kenya in January, 2005. The meeting will also
serve to demonstrate the most effective methods for crop genetic
improvement and seed supply in Africa, and provide program leaders with
new opportunities for linking up with efforts at developing better crops
for African farmers.
Scope
Participation in the meeting is by invitation only and over 300
participants are expected to attend. The meeting will include focus
sessions on such diverse topics as molecular breeding for variety
development and the emergence of private, independent seed trade in
Africa.
Activities
All participants are expected to give oral and/or poster presentations
based on the results of their Rockefeller Foundation-funded work.
Participants are required to indicate their preference for oral or poster presentation when submitting
abstracts.
A
field day will be conducted to showcase on-going crop improvement and seed
systems development work
in Mozambique.
Abstract preparation
Submission
of conference abstracts closed on 01 December 2006.
Abstracts should be roughly divided into three sections covering the
following topics:
-
a brief statement of
the problem being addressed and the goal of the project
-
the current status of
results, and
-
a brief description
of the way forward for achieving impact among African farmers.
Abstracts should fit on a single A4 page and be sent as an email
attachment to:
Crops@rockfound.org. The requirements for poster
preparation will be available to participants in due course.
Conference
documentation
A
meeting agenda will be distributed to all participants one month before
the meeting and a book of abstracts will be available at the meeting.
Registration
Registration closed on 20 October. Only inquiries can be directed to
Crops@rockfound.org
or post to Mrs. Mulemia Maina, The Rockefeller Foundation, Eden Square,
Block 1, 5th Floor, Chiromo Road, P.O. Box 66773, Westlands
00800, Nairobi, Kenya; Fax: +254-20-3750 653.
Arrival and departure
The arrival date for this meeting is Sunday, March 25, 2007. Departures
should be scheduled for March 30, 2007.
Travel funds
Most Rockefeller Foundation grantees have travel funds included in their
grant budgets, it is therefore expected that they will use those funds to
cover their air fares. Only those invited participants and who do not have
such funds can request special consideration by notifying Ms. Mulemia
Maina at
Crops@rockfound.org.
Accommodation
Participants will be accommodated at the VIP Hotel and the Pestana Rovuma
Hotel in Maputo. Room and board expenses for Foundation grantees at the
hotels will be covered by the Rockefeller Foundation for the duration of
the meeting.
Visitor information
All visitors to Mozambique are required to have a valid visa. Organizers
advise conference applicants to obtain their visa from a consulate nearest
to them in good time before the conference.
Insurance
Conference participants are not covered under any travel, medical, or
other insurance carried by The Rockefeller Foundation.
Inquiries
All correspondence regarding the meeting should be directed to
crops@rockfound.org. |
