FARA commends G8 for new alliance to boost Africa’s food, nutrition security

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (PANA) - The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has welcomed the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition launched by the World's largest economies, called the G8.

FARA said in a press statement from Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, that "Particularly welcome is the G8’s commitment to launch a technology platform together with it, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and other partners."

It said that FARA also recognises partnership with the private sector as a step in the right direction because it connects almost seamlessly with the agricultural investment plans being developed by African countries under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

Over 20 African countries have developed investment plans, and more are in the offing. It is therefore laudable to see that the funding mechanism of this New Alliance chooses to align itself with already identified national priorities and partners with existing African agencies and frameworks.

"This is a positive show of commitment to an African-driven agenda that will be more relevant, sustainable and have greater impact," said Dr. Tiemoko Yo, Chairman of FARA.

He said Climate change has proved to be a major risk to smallholder farmers, with drought, floods and pests increasingly hazardous.

According to Professor Monty Jones, Executive Director of FARA, "We commend the commitment to fulfil the pledges of the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative and the additional US$ 3 billion now pledged by private sector companies. These pledges, however, should only mark the beginning of support to address food security challenges. We call for increased and sustained support not only from the G8, but also from African governments and smaller private sector actors on the continent if true transformation is to be achieved."

The statement said FARA is keen to work together with the platform partners to build on African ownership to achieve significant outcomes that can be replicated across the continent.

"The launch of this initiative coincides with a period when FARA is reviewing its strategic direction and will therefore be used to charter its onward course. FARA will work with its partners to move forward the establishment of the New Alliance, which will be launched at the Africa Agriculture Science Week in July 2013." it added.
-0- PANA PR/VAO 31May2012