By: Alejandra Soto (CSAYN Global Unit)
On November 26th the celebrations of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) anniversary were inaugurated in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will continue till the 28th of this month. For this event many activities were prepared under the main theme “Delivering Africa’s Future Through Science-led Agricultural Transformation”, including the launching of the new Strategic Plan for the next five years. The founder of the CSA Youth Network and Liaison to YPARD, Ntiokam Divine is participating in these events, to present our work and the activities the youth is doing in regards to climate-smart agriculture.
This is a very special celebration because FARA is turning 15 years since its launch in 1999. Once the Special Program for African Agricultural Research, an initiative started by the World Bank according to the Forum’s website, FARA has served as a point of contact for many African organizations that work in Agriculture and Development. It is also very important to us, because the CSA Youth Network started with the support of FARA, and many of their members collaborate with us spreading the word among the young people on climate change and smart agriculture action.
During the first day a series of different panels were discussed, from climate change to agriculture and technology in Africa, including an event on youth and climate-smart agriculture where Ntiokam Divine presented our work along with Andrianjafy Rasoanindrainy. Also, among the speakers present today, were Dr. Yemi Akimbamijo, Executive Director of FARA, and Dr. Jimmy Smith, Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute.
Congratulations to FARA for their work and achievements in the last 15 years and for their efforts in enhancing African agriculture. We hope that in the future we continue collaborating for the African youth and for a sustainable environment.
During this week we will keep informing you about FARA’s celebration, so keep in touch to get the latest news.
For more information on Celebrating FARA please visit the event’s website: http://www.cvent.com/events/fara-celebration/event-summary-d6f2aa6a8f30480f89337e9cd1550251.aspx