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Biotechnology for International Agricultural Development

WASHINGTON, DC 20523
http://www.usaid.gov
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810

2003-064

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 23, 2003

Background

Biotechnology promises to increase agricultural productivity and enhance food security in Africa. However, progress in the application of this technology to agricultural research and commercialization in the region has been constrained by many factors: lack of information on biotechnology, biosafety and trade issues; ineffective research policies; scarcity of funds; and limited technical capacity and infrastructure. Since many issues relating to technology development, transfer and adoption are complex and knowledge-intensive, putting information into the hands of African researchers and scientists creates better informed decision-makers leading to productive integration of new technology into mainstream agricultural development programs while ensuring minimal problems.

Objectives

Project goals are to:

• Support existing regional biotechnology networks in their efforts;
• Foster increased dialog among key stake holders (policy makers, regulators, scientists , media, farmers, NGOs and agri-business); and
• Provide science-based information on agricultural biotechnology issues.

Activities

The project will pursue the following activities:

• Provide support to African partners (AfricaBio, ABSF and WABNET) to conduct workshops including a 'media forum';
• Support activities that improve dialog among stakeholders in Africa;
• Promote networking among the three regional groups and help facilitate dissemination of information with the development of 'scientific- content' rich Internet websites, E-mail discussion groups and newsletters;
• Develop an "Agricultural Biotechnology Knowledge Center" to provide information on key scientific, regulatory, risk, IPR and other biotechnology issues, with emphasis on content tailored to regional needs; and
• Facilitate technical capacity building for local research and enterprise through workshops, a directory of global funding opportunities, and networking between African and U.S. institutions with travel fellowships for African scientists and policy makers.

Expected results

Capacity building of African institutions is the central goal of this project. The expected outcome is increased awareness and understanding of critical biotechnology issues among decision makers and stakeholders in African agriculture. We expect that by the end of this project, the technical capacity of the three major networks for biotechnology in Africa will be enhanced, along with an improved understanding and appreciation of critical issues relating to technology development, biosafety, risk regulation, intellectual property and enterprise development among stakeholders in the regions.

The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.

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