Events

IPBO satellite: Applied climate research in Africa

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Scientists, policy makers and development workers came together to shape an agenda for African climate research for development at a conference.
© Eitzinger (CIAT)
Scientists, policy makers and development workers came together to shape an agenda for African climate research for development at a conference.

Background

Africa is highly exposed and vulnerable to the impact of climate variability and climate change. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) estimates that the continent's temperature will rise significantly in the coming years. Some regions could experience two droughts every five years and see drastic yield reductions for crops such as maize over the next three decades.

Climate change has a strong impact on food production and availability, and the stability of food systems. These factors directly impact smallholder farmers who are the most vulnerable stakeholders. Thus, to limit the effect of climate on food insecurity, adaptation is essential along food production chains.

This meeting “Applied Climate Research in Africa” aims at showcasing examples of scientific actions undertaken in Africa to adapt agricultural systems to the climate-related challenges. Scientists from leading research centers will present their latest interventions to adapt and modify crops and agricultural systems. The topics will include breeding climate-resilient crops and deploying them in the field to help farmers and make food systems more climate-resilient.

This satellite event was conceived to give visibility to the ongoing research efforts to mitigate climate change in Africa and enable a solid North-South connection of scientists, experts and research hubs to enhance networking, mutual learning and collaboration.

PROGRAM

TimeAgendaSpeaker
13:00Welcome words and housekeeping points 
13:10

Shaping climate resilient food systems in Africa: New trends and perspectives from development cooperation

The experience of the Belgian development agency

Laurence Defrise, Enabel, Belgium
13:30

Translating molecular breeding into market oriented genetic gain: Technical requirements and deployment considerations for Africa

Ana Oliveira, EiB-CIMMYT, Kenya
13:50Status on development and commercialisation of climate-smart drought-tolerant and insect-protected maize for African farmersSylvester Oikeh, AATF, Kenya
14:10Break 
14:20Agronomy at scale as an entry point towards climate change adaptationBernard Vanlauwe, IITA, Kenya
14:40 Building climate resilient agriculture and food systems in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and actionable solutionsRobert Zougmore, CCAFS-ICRISAT, Mali
15:00Panel discussion with the speakers

Moderators: 

Marc Heijde, Program Manager, VIB-UGent International Plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO)

Laura Cortada, Senior Scientific Officer, VIB-UGent International Plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO)