1,500 agric-experts route for AGRF 2016 in Nairobi

NaijaAgroNet:

The President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Dr. Mrs. Agnes Kalibata has disclosed that the 2016 edition of the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF), which kicked off in Nairobi, Kenyan capital, attracted in excess of 1,500 agriculture experts from over 40 countries, reports NaijaAgroNet.

Making this disclosure at Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi at a sideline event on Monday, Dr. Kalibata said this figure includes Heads of State and high level officials among others.

Kalibata, who was joined s the media chat by the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary at Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Willy Bett, General Manager of Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), Mrs. Melisa Wood, Managing Director for Africa at Rockefeller foundation, Mr. Mamadou Biteye, Director, Agriculture and Environment at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Dr. Dominuque Charron, told NaijaAgroNet that the forum will provide African leaders to opportunity to deliver core new investments for agriculture on the continent.

She also affirmed that Kenya the forum is expected to bring undisclosed hundreds of millions of dollars in new support for African farmers and agribusinesses while unveiling winner of prestigious new Africa Food Prize as part of the agenda.

For Mamadou Biteye of Rockfeller noted that AGRA was founded through partnership between AGRA, Rockefeller, Bill and Melinda Gate, stressing they are very proud to be associated with AGRF and AGRA, especially as it celebrates 10 years.

The Kenyan’s Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Hon. Willy Bett assured that Kenya is the appropriate venue for this historic gathering because farming and food production are the lifeblood of the Kenyan economy.

“We want to set an example that others can follow. We are committed to pushing through the policy and financial reforms that can make farming and other agriculture businesses an economically and environmentally sustainable way of life,” he said.

Remmy Nweke in Nairobi/GEE
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