The Geneva of Africa (Arusha) is all set to host a high profiles
meeting about agriculture to be held from today (26th 08 2012) to
Friday, at Ngurudoto Mountain Lodge.
All preparations for the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) are in
place, according Ms Sylvia Mwichuli, the Communications and Public
Affairs Director Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
The meeting brings together African Heads of State, ministers, private
agribusiness firms, financial institutions, farmers, NGOs, civil
society organizations and scientists to discuss and develop concrete
investment plans for scaling agricultural development success in
Africa.
Tanzania will welcome notable guests including Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation Co-Chair Melinda Gates, IFAD President Dr. Kanayo Nwanze,
Nigerian Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, World
Food Prize Laureate Prof. Gebisa Ejeta, and Yara International
President & CEO Jørgen Ole Haslestad.
The meeting has been touted as the next milestone in developing
African-led food security solutions, and will be co-chaired by
President Dr Jakaya Kikwete and retired United Nations (UN) Dr Koffi
Annan.
President Kikwete is expected to give a keynote address according to
the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Cooperatives and AGRA the
organisers of the meeting.
Ms Sylvia Mwichuli, said AGRF 2012 builds on recent momentum to
tackle global food security. “
The forum sets the stage for African ownership in the next phase of
scaling agricultural development solutions and steering investment to
build a sustainable food secure future.”
The discussions will involve issues to do with scaling investment and
innovation for sustainable agricultural growth and food security.
Erastus J.O. Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson, African Union, Addis Ababa keynote Address will be on Realizing the potential
of African Agriculture. Another topic will be on shift in mindset – agriculture as a target
for investments.
The conference will also address one of the most pressing challenges
facing agricultural development in Africa is the need for affordable
financing along value chains, including for smallholder agriculture.
Most experts agree that sufficient funds are available, especially
withprivate-sector involvement, but attracting more private sector
funds into agri-food chains on affordable terms is a challenge,
primarily because of the perceived high risks associated with
agriculture. Addressing this challenge requires policies and
innovative partnerships that can change incentives and leverage
private sector resources along value chains, including for smallholder
farmers. Complementing the plenary session on public-private
partnerships, this session will focus on concrete examples and best
practice for operationalizing public-private partnerships in rural
finance in order to achieve transformational and sustainable economic
growth and improve rural livelihoods.
End