"We should come up with science based, social and policy solutions through a forum for developing a shared vision and shared goals to enhance sustainable agriculture," ASARECA Executive Director, Dr. Seyfu Ketema advised.
Ketema was speaking during a media launch to kick off the events leading to the association general assembly slated for December 14.
Ketema observed that the growing population in the region needs leaders and stakeholders to come together and formulate strategic guidelines in agricultural research for development which will contribute to feeding the region in the 21st century.
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Tress Bucyanayandi stressed that government is committed top increase funding towards the agricultural sector in a bid to tackle food insecurity.
"The president has shown commitment to increase budget allocation from 4.5% to 7% to support strategies with in the sector aimed at curbing food insecurity," he said.
"Improved science delivery, knowledge and technologies are powerful instruments to eradicate hunger and enhance sustainable use of resources in East and Central Africa." He noted that the low levels of productivity growth in the agricultural sector, hunger, malnutrition and climate change have deepened in the region thus demanding extra effort to over come food insecurity. "There is no more pressing issue that demands the highest attention than that of attaining food security for sustainable development at the regional and national levels," added Bucyanayandi.
The Director General of National Agricultural Research Organization , Dr. Emily Twinamatsiko said that Uganda will utilize the forum to look for strategies that will enable it deal with the volatile food prices and their impacts on food security. About 300 million hectares of East and Central Africa's total land area is devoted to agriculture.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Hits: 148
Comments (0)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Write comment
