A distinguished Nigerian agricultural economist, with over 20 years of experience in African agriculture was recently honored in Norway and the USA for his leadership in leading a major global initiative to reduce poverty and achieve an African Green Revolution. Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, Vice President of Policy and Partnerships of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), was recently honored by Purdue University, USA, on March 21 for over 20 years of service in efforts to improve agricultural productivity in Africa.The Purdue honor follows Adesina’s 2007 award of the prestigious Yara Prize for an African Green Revolution awarded in Oslo. The Yara Foundation award commends outstanding efforts to increase food production and availability in Africa and recognized Adesina’s pioneering work to increase poor farmers’ access to farm inputs and to build rural markets. Adesina is a distinguished agricultural economist, with over 20 years of experience in African agriculture.
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina holds a BSc in Agricultural Economics (First Class Honors) from the University of Ife, Nigeria (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He received his Purdue master's degree in 1985 and doctorate in 1988 in Agricultural Economics, where he won the Outstanding PhD Thesis award for his innovative research. A prolific writer, Adesina has published extensively in international journals and books. He is currently President, African Association of Agricultural Economists.
Reference: Africa Science News Service 10 April 2008.
