Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) have joined forces in a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering research efforts to enhance staple crops grown by millions of African farmers. The AATF operates in over 20 countries across Eastern, Southern, and West Africa, with a focus on developing innovations to address low agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
One of the notable achievements of the AATF is the successful release of five new hybrid rice varieties specifically tailored to African conditions, resulting in a significant increase in yields from three to ten tonnes per hectare. Additionally, the AATF has effectively coordinated a global partnership to develop and distribute pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea in three West African countries. This variety contains a gene that produces a protein lethal to the Maruca pod borer, a major pest that affects crops before harvest. This breakthrough equips farmers with an additional tool to combat the impact of climate change, as harmful insects spread to new areas.
"We are thrilled to establish this new partnership with Gates Ag One, building upon our achievements and progress thus far, which have made a significant contribution to advancing agricultural productivity across Africa," said Dr Canisius Kanangire, Executive Director at AATF.
AATF, established two decades ago, specializes in managing public-private partnerships to facilitate the transfer of innovative technologies, providing smallholder farmers in Africa with access to the latest advancements. Despite sub-Saharan Africa having approximately 65 per cent of the world's arable land, current yields in the region are only about one-third of the global average.
"AATF is a leading organization in the sector, working towards the development, adaptation, and commercialization of agricultural technologies that enhance smallholder farmers' productivity and climate resilience," stated Joe Cornelius, CEO of Gates Ag One.
Cornelius further expressed excitement about partnering with AATF to bring innovations to farmers across Africa, with the aim of increasing yields and ensuring food security.
Gates Ag One, a non-profit affiliate of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established to leverage advancements in global crop science to meet the evolving needs of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The organization invests in early scientific discoveries to expedite the development of improved crops that can help bridge the existing yield gap.
Through this partnership, Gates Ag One and AATF seek to combine their expertise and resources to catalyze agricultural transformation in Africa, supporting farmers in their pursuit of higher productivity, enhanced resilience to climate change, and improved food security.
By working together, these two organizations aim to make significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by African farmers, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in the region.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
Photo/AATF
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