ROME (4 June 2008) A memorandum of understanding was signed by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to boost food production in Africa’s “breadbasket regions”. The new partnership will work closely with other stakeholders to rapidly improve food production, food security and rural incomes. Careful environmental monitoring, and conserving biodiversity, water and land will be given high priority. "Unlocking the potential of agriculture in Africa is a huge challenge, but it can be done,” said FAO Director Jacques Diouf. “This initiative is an important contribution to reduce the number of more than 200 million hungry people in sub-Saharan Africa.” Kofi Annan, Chairman of the Board of AGRA, said that they are hoping to spur a green revolution in Africa that respects biodiversity and the continent’s distinct regions and great variety of crops.
Reference: AGRA press release 04/06 Partnership to Boost Agricultural Production in Africa's "Breadbasket Regions"
