From 25th-29th October 2021, scientists, entrepreneurs, institutional leaders, and students from Africa and beyond are meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, and online for the second continental African Plant Breeders Association Conference (#APBAConf2021).
Guided by the theme, “Accelerating Genetic Gains in Plant Breeding for Resilience and Transformative Food Systems and Economic Growth in Africa”, participants at the hybrid event are set to explore current research outputs and outcomes in plant-breeding and related disciplines.
AGRA is partnering with the Government of Rwanda, the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), host of the Secretariat of the APBA and USAID at the #APBAConf2021, a forum that seeks to shine the spotlight on plant breeding as a key component of fast-tracking the continent’s agricultural transformation.
Strategic partnerships are crucial in the fight against food and nutrition security in Africa, said Prof. Danquah, Founding Director of WACCI and President of APBA.
“The #APBAConf2021 draws attention to the need for crop improvement and seed sector development in Africa to help us build resilience in the staple crops of Africa and to increase productivity in farmers’ fields. AGRA is proud to have been part of training plant breeders who are now churning out locally adapted crop varieties. I encourage all of us to support these scientists and sustain the momentum to put high-yielding as well as drought-tolerant crops in the hands of farmers,” Dr. Kalibata said.
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