By Prossy Nandudu
Agriculture Ministers from The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) member countries are to meet in Kampala between the 17th to the 19th of May this year.
ASARECA member countries which are Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda.
The ministerial conference that will run under the theme Building Resilient Food Systems to Feed Africa for Generations, will discuss strategies on how to reduce effects of climate change, build resilience catalyzing private sector investments for commercialization of research technologies, farmer empowerment among others.
Uganda is currently faced with effects of climate change such as low production due to emerging pests and diseases as a result of the warming climate, which favors reproduction of crop pests like desert locusts, fall army worm, diseases like the Maize Lethel Necrosis disease that causes 100% yield loss when it attacks a maize garden, according research scientists working on the cereals like maize, rice among other crops.
Although other ministries like that of water and environment has embarked on tree growing, wetland restoration to reduce for example higher temperatures, more trees are still cut down.
The meeting is expected to generate consensus, actions and commitments to facilitate new initiatives aimed at Building Resilient Food Systems to Feed Africa for Generations.
According to ASARECA documents viewed on Wednesday, the Council of Patron Ministers (CPM) is the highest governing organ of ASARECA, comprised of Ministers in charge of agricultural in the Member States.
It provides guidance on regional collaborative programs; provides guidance to the Board of Directors on strategic matters of importance to address agricultural research and development issues and supports in advocacy for resource mobilization to finance research among others.
