Finding lasting solutions to Africas food insecurity crises

(2008-08-27) Kofi Annan, President Bingu Wa Mutharika of Malawi and other key leaders discuss Africas future at the 3rd annual African Green Revolution Conference in Oslo.

The current food crisis has resulted in strong political will to identify and implement sustainable solutions to reduce hunger across the continent.  A vast array of business and political leaders are gathered in Oslo this week at the African Green Revolution Conference to develop a strategic action plan for change and secure commitments to ensure a lasting solution to Africa’s food vulnerability. With its enormous potential to grow regional economies and feed the population, sustainable agricultural development will be the focal point of discussion.

 “These challenges are too great for one sector, for one population, to address alone,” says Kofi Annan. Only when the international community works in partnership with all affected stakeholders will we be able to achieve these critical goals and see real outcomes for the people of Africa.” 

Agriculture is at the core of African society and employs the majority of its people. As such, it provides the major share of export earnings for many countries and offers the greatest scope for promoting economic growth and stimulating a self-sufficient agricultural base.  An African green revolution is needed to encourage the creation of small-scale agribusinesses, improve the quality of soil resulting in better quality products, and increase production to feed a growing population.  

The 2008 African Green Revolution Conference is taking place on August 28 and 29, in Oslo, Norway. This year’s Conference is hosted by Yara International in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the African Development Bank (ADB) Norad, Norfund and Rabobank.

“Instead of standing on the sidelines pointing to all the problems, Yara is an active member of a team working to find a solution to the food security crisis, says Yara Chief Executive Thorleif Enger. “Modern agriculture is constantly becoming more effective, close to 1 billion people still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Through the African Green Revolution, we’re committed to providing African entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to make a lasting impact on the agricultural sustainability of their own communities.”

The third annual African Green Revolution Conference brings together over 250 business leaders, government officials, development practitioners and African entrepreneurs to share best practices and map the way forward to a vibrant, sustainable African agricultural sector.

The board of the Yara Foundation will award its annual Yara Prize for outstanding achievement in agricultural entrepreneurship to two African visionaries at the conference. This year’s laureates Florence Wambugu and Victor Mfinanga will receive their prizes at the on 29 August.

	Yara Web TV service