Increase investment in Agric – WACCI boss to African governments

The Director of the West African Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), a centre located within the University of Ghana, Professor Eric Yaw Danquah, has urged African governments to increase investments in agriculture on the continent.

He said there was the need for the governments to invest in the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) framework.

The CAADP is Africa’s policy framework for agricultural transformation, wealth creation, food security and nutrition, economic growth and prosperity for all.

In Maputo, Mozambique, in 2003, the African Union (AU) Summit made the first declaration on CAADP as an integral part of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

Prof Danquah said after a meeting organised by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) that an investment in the CAAD framework will ensure that AGRA’s objective of a green revolution on the continent is achieved.

“I was at AGRA’s partners meeting and Editors Forum today. AGRA’s story is compelling evidence that an African Green Revolution may not be a mirage but the governments in Africa must increase investments in the commodity value chains and commit to the CAADP framework if they dream a green revolution.

“AGRA’s Board Chair, Mr. Strive Masiyiwa and President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata hailed WACCI as a good partner in their submissions,” he said.