Hyderabad, India and Bamako, Mali (28 January 2014) – An inclusive, science-based, resilient and market-oriented agriculture is the key to addressing key challenges hampering agricultural growth in West and Central Africa (WCA), and in attaining food and nutrition security, economic prosperity and environmental sustainability in the region. Tackling the question of how agricultural research can make smallholder farming more profitable and sustainable, scientists from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics’ (ICRISAT) regional and country offices in WCA and from its headquarters in India, convened in Bamako for a regional planning meeting to map out its research agenda. On the challenge of improving the livelihoods of the poorest in the context of climate change, Dr William Dar, ICRISAT Director General, stressed that “Working with our partners, we can deliver on our mission to lift the people out of poverty and ensure food security for the present and future generations without compromising environmental integrity.” “Inclusiveness means that the very purpose of our research work is to help smallholder farmers out of poverty to self-sufficiency and prosperity,” Dr Dar added. “Smallholder farmers must be given access to scientific innovations designed for the poor, to help them connect to markets, but in a way that builds their own resilience rather than creating dependency.” “Partnerships and collaboration are crucial in a holistic approach to research for development that covers all aspects...
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