KAMPALA - The state minister for agriculture, Bright Rwamirama, has appealed to African scientists and researchers to apply science to agriculture to enable the continent to become the World food basket.

He said it is awkward that Africa continues to import food from elsewhere yet it has all that it takes to feed others.

“The food system in Africa is not working to full capacity, and yet we have the capacity to feed the whole world.”

Minister Rwamirama said it is awkward that Africa continues to import food from elsewhere yet it has all that it takes to feed others. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

He added, “We don’t have winters, yet we have good soils, we have free sun throughout, all that we need is to apply science to agriculture,” he stated, citing the one example that Africa can only get out of this mess through providing water for agriculture production for livestock, crop and fish resources.

“We also need animal and plant nutrition for both animal and crop resources, and to deal with animal and plant health,” he said, adding that whatever African countries can do, they must ensure it matches international standards. 

“It is shameful for Africa to import food from Europe and always have one season in a year yet here in Uganda we can improve our production through applying science and get four seasons,” he explained.

Rwamirama appealed to African scientists and researchers to apply science to agriculture to enable the continent to become the food World food basket.

Rwamirama was Tuesday, May 17, 2023 speaking at the opening of a three-day ASARECA (Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa) Agricultural Ministerial Conference (AAM) at Speke Resort, Munyonyo in Kampala. 

The conference attracted agricultural researchers and scientists from 14 countries in East and Central Africa plus delegates from Somalia that applied to be included in the association.

The delegates came from Uganda, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan and Tanzania.

The theme for this year is, ‘Building Resilient Food Systems to Feed Africa for Generations’ and is organized through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in conjunction with ASARECA and the National Agriculture Research Organisation (NARO).

To the delegates, Rwamirama said, “Research should be transformative and be able to provide the future needs and create resilience for survival for our food systems.

Doing research is one thing and making a breakthrough is another thing, but what is important is what to do with the innovations and getting into the communities to apply them and be able to change lives,” he explained, adding that the other major issues to discuss about is the challenge of climate change, which he says is a reality that Africa must tackle to tame nature in order to produce food.

Daisy Akech, a research assistant explains the nutrition values of NASPOT13 Potato variety to especially babies and expecting mothers.

The function was attended by delegates from Uganda, the host led by Dr. Enock Warinda, the executive director of ASARECA.

Others came from Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan and Tanzania.  

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Below is a highlight of the conference in pictures, all by Vision Group's multemedia journalist Eddie Ssejjoba;

The conference attracted agricultural researchers and scientists from 14 countries in East and Central Africa plus delegates from Somalia that applied to be included in the association.

Daisy Akech, a research assistant explains the nutrition values of NASPOT13 Potato.

Rhoda Tumusiime, chair of ASARECA Advisory Panel and former African Union Commission for Agriculture remarks.

Researchers from the International Potato Centre show some of the processes of adding value to potato varieties including NASPOT13 and NASPOT8 including making chapati and mandazi from potatoes.

Some of the delegates attending the conference.

Dr Enock Warinda, the executive director of ASARECA.

Delegates after the conference