Bright Rwamirama has urged African scientists and researchers to use science in agriculture so that Africa can become the world’s primary source of food.
Bright Rwamirama, the state minister for agriculture, has urged African scientists and researchers to use science in agriculture so that Africa can become the world’s primary source of food.
He claimed it is strange that despite having everything necessary to feed others, Africa still imports food from abroad. “African food systems are not operating at full capacity, despite the fact that we have the resources to feed the entire world.”
Africa can only get out of this mess, according to Rwamirama, by providing water for agricultural production, nutrition for animals and plants, and international standards for animal and plant health.
He gave the example of providing water for fish, crops, and livestock as well as food for plants and animals for both crop and livestock resources. He further stated that in order to increase production and receive four seasons, African nations must adhere to international standards.
Rwamirama urged scientists and researchers in Africa to use science in agriculture to become the world’s primary source of food.
He gave a speech at the beginning of a three-day ASARECA (Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa) Agricultural Ministerial Conference (AAM) in Kampala on May 17, 2023.
Along with attendees from Somalia who applied to join the association, the conference drew agricultural researchers and scientists from 14 East and Central African nations. Uganda, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania were represented by the delegates.
Uganda, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tanzania were represented by the delegates.
Building resilient food systems to feed Africa for generations is the theme for this year. In collaboration with ASARECA and NARO, it is put on by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.
According to Rwamirama, research should be transformative, address future needs, and build the capacity of food systems.
He continued, “Doing research is one thing, and coming up with a breakthrough is another, but what matters is what to do with the innovations and implementing them in the communities to be able to change lives.”
He added that the challenge of climate change is another important topic to discuss, which he claims is a reality that Africa must address in order to tame nature in order to produce food.
A research assistant named Daisy Akech educates expectant mothers and babies in particular about the nutritional benefits of the NASPOT13 potato variety. A research assistant named Daisy Akech educates expectant mothers and babies in particular about the nutritional benefits of the NASPOT13 potato variety.
Delegates from Uganda attended the event, which was hosted by Dr. Enock Warinda, the executive director of ASARECA. Others came from Tanzania, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.