Linturi took over leadership from Frank Tumwebaze of Uganda who had served for two years. Leaders from South Africa, Somalia, Tanzania, Eritrea, Madagascar, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo were among the officials from the member states.
The theme of the third Council of Patron Ministers Meeting was: ‘Together Transforming Agriculture for Improved Livelihoods, Sustained Economic Growth, and Inclusive Development in Eastern and Central Africa’.
Linturi outlined plans to increase resilience in food production through regional centers of excellence focused on key crops like maize, dairy, and oil seeds.
The proposed $12.5 million investment will come from various partners as he recognized the help from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A large chunk of the funds ($8 million) will go towards promoting nutrition and curbing malnutrition through bio fortification of crops like sorghum, maize, sweet potatoes and rice. Another $7.5 million will be channeled into aflatoxin research and control.
The theme of the third Council of Patron Ministers Meeting was: ‘Together Transforming Agriculture for Improved Livelihoods, Sustained Economic Growth, and Inclusive Development in Eastern and Central Africa’.
"Aflatoxin is a serious threat affecting the industry. This facility will aid research, improve food safety and create awareness on aflatoxin issues,"
The meeting also discussed strengthening strategic partnership with private sectors networks to enhance trade and commercialization of agricultural technologies and innovation. During the meeting, the Council endorsed ASARECA Priorities and Strategies for the period 2024-2028, reviewed the implementation of the Joint Communiqué signed by the Ministers during the ASARECA Agriculture Ministerial Conference in May 2023. The Conference was mainly on sustainable financing of ASARECA.
No comments:
Post a Comment