At the request of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the InterAcademy Council has produced a new report, Realizing the Promise and Potential of African Agriculture, which describes the role of science and technology in improving food security and agricultural productivity in Africa. Based on consultation with African agricultural scientists and analysis by internationally renowned agricultural specialists, the recommendations of this report are now the focus of attention by agricultural policymakers throughout Africa. The report contrasts the agricultural challenges in Africa with those of Asia, revealing the need for a broader strategy than that undertaken for the Asian Green Revolution. In Africa, a “rainbow evolution” is needed for improvements in the enabling environment of markets and governmental policies, institutions and governance, and scientific personnel. The report identifies concrete steps for improving African food security through a focus on the most promising farming systems.

Copies of the report will be available at the event.