FAO Director General arrives for two-day visit

Accra (Greater Accra) 15 March '99

Accra (Greater Accra) 15 March '99 Dr Jacques Diouf, Director-General of the FAO, arrived in Accra on Sunday to begin a two-day official visit to Ghana. Dr Diouf told newsmen at the Kotoka International Airport that he will hold bilateral talks with government officials as a follow up to the world food summit, held in Rome a year ago . He said the food situation in Africa has been very positive as a result of improved climatic conditions after the El Nino phenomenon, and which has increased agricultural production on the continent . Dr Diouf acknowledged that there are still problems in food production, and mentioned civil strife which has made it difficult to ensure food security on the continent . "Until we solve our political crisis and wars, it would be very difficult to handle the food situation ", he added. The FAO is to increase food production vis a vis the world's population, which would increase to about 9 billion by the year 2,000, and also to ensure fair distribution . The FAO boss said trade amongst developing nations should be stepped up so that food surpluses could be sent to needy areas. This should be done with the support of all member countries, he said. Dr Diouf urged nations to address the food situation at the highest policy level and set appropriate objectives to meet FAO's aim of reducing hunger by the year 2015 . He urged governments to create the enabling environment for increased production of food crops . Mr J.H. Owusu-Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, and officials of FAO and the UNDP met the Director-General at the airport.