Merafhe opens Agric research centre
Below we run an edited version of a speech by Vice President MOMPATI MERAFHE at the ministers' meeting, and launch of the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development in Southern Africa (CCARDESA).
Undoubtedly, this institution will go a long way in assisting us to achieve our goal of food security in the SADC region.
As you are all aware, the challenges of feeding more than 250 million people in the SADC member states is enormous, and the launching of this Centre could not have come at a more appropriate time.
Our Governments are committed to taking our people out of the dehumanising conditions of abject poverty and deprivation in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).It is now eight years since the SADC Heads of State and Government adopted the "Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security", which calls upon Member States to commit at least 10 percent of their national budgets to agriculture. In this connection, we need to take stock of the progress we are making towards eradicating hunger and abject poverty.
For instance, Botswana has come up with a roadmap whose aim is to deal with issues of poverty eradication because we believe that there are no tolerable levels of poverty.
In this regard, Botswana Government has identified and funded backyard gardening, bee-keeping, small stock and nurseries as key areas in the agricultural sector in order to eradicate poverty in the country.
We cannot afford to ignore the fact that agriculture is the backbone of most SADC states as about 80 percent of our people depend on the sector for food, employment and income.
It is for this reason that the SADC Regional Indicative Strategy Development Plan (RISDP) has made sustainable food security its top most priority.
To further demonstrate their commitment, in 2004, the Heads of State and Government approved a short term Action Plan to address key issues to enhance the performance and efficacy of agricultural development in the region.
These issues include, amongst others, provision of key inputs, control of crop and livestock pests, improving crop, livestock and fisheries production, increasing market access for small holders, and promoting private sector participation in agriculture and rural development.
We should, therefore, pause and reflect on how much we are doing to meet these targets. Put differently, have we made any meaningful contribution to our people or these were just unrealistic targets? It goes without saying that we must act now as individual nations and as a regional bloc with a common purpose.
I have been informed that the theme for this meeting is "Research and Development: Key to Food Security." I find the theme both timely and appropriate because in order to keep pace with the population growth and other life demands, research and technology development must remain focused and ahead of time.
In this regard, Africa must position herself to compete with the best in the global market. Subsequently, we must develop technologies that are appropriate for our traditions, culture and social norms.
Needless to say, we must trust our own agricultural researchers who have a rich traditional knowledge base to share their discoveries and inventions to make agriculture competitive and rewarding.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, as we celebrate the birth of this Centre, we must thank our leaders for their great vision in recognising that research is the life-blood of agricultural development.
The launching of this Centre is a clear testimony of the unwavering commitment of the Member States to agricultural research and their belief that country-based research is more relevant.
I am informed that the Centre recognises the critical roles and challenges facing both the public and private sectors in promoting the regional experiences and expertise.
I, therefore, invite everyone here to live up to our people's expectations by putting both regional and international resources to good use. In order to achieve this, we must generate useful technologies to drive both the subsistence and commercial farming interests.
The research must be demand driven and not necessarily fill a professional gap for self recognition.
Let me take this opportunity to remind you that the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) aims at eliminating hunger and reducing poverty through agricultural-led growth of economies.
It is encouraging to learn that most SADC member states have embraced the ideas of this Programme. It is also commendable to note that our Secretariat has made good progress in leveraging resources to support member states going through the Programme. As we all know, the Programme is being implemented through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
We cannot afford to rest when millions of our people go to bed hungry, or not knowing where their next meal will come from, everyday! Therefore, we must reverse the cliche that "the green revolution bypassed Africa", through resolve, determination and actions.
Reproduced from: http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=325&dir=2011/July/Friday15
i want research
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