The first All Africa Congress on Biotechnology convened from 22-26 September 2008, in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Harnessing the potential of biotechnology for food security and socioeconomic development in Africa.” The Congress adopted a “Nairobi Declaration,” which states, inter alia, that delegates are “resolved working towards advancement and development of biotechnologies that were significantly […]
The first All Africa Congress on Biotechnology convened from 22-26 September 2008, in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Harnessing the potential of biotechnology for food security and socioeconomic development in Africa.” The Congress adopted a “Nairobi Declaration,” which states, inter alia, that delegates are “resolved working towards advancement and development of biotechnologies that were significantly safer with less potential risks to the continent’s population either environmentally or health wise and that the urge for biotechnology applications would be driven by Africa’s determined demand and needs.
The best example stated was the need for Africa to urgently adopt agricultural biotechnology to mitigate the impact of food insecurity on the continent and make agriculture a beneficial household enterprise for millions of families that rely on farming for their livelihoods.” Among the Congress recommendations was the formulation of regional biotechnology programmes and projects, the establishment of an African Biotechnology Trust Fund, and the establishment of a regional secretariat in Nairobi.
Links to further information
The Congress website
SciDev.Net, 26 September 2008