26 NOVEMBER, 2014
During a site visit conducted in the coastal villages of Mauritius namely Petit-Sable and Grand- Sable in the Southeast region of Mauritius, some 25 young students from the University of Mauritius doing a degree Agriscience and Technology were exposed to several climate-smart practices that vegetable farmers have adopted as their farming strategies.
Among them the students were able to recognize practices such as mulching, multi-cropping, algal compost, kitchen waste compost, fallowing and run off farming among many others. The young students also received part of the experience of a farmer who has over 30 years of experience in the fields.
This is a very special celebration because FARA is turning 15 years since its launch in 1999. Once the Special Program for African Agricultural Research, an initiative started by the World Bank according to the Forum’s website, FARA has served as a point of contact for many African organizations that work in Agriculture and Development. It is also very important to us, because the CSA Youth Network started with the support of FARA, and many of their members collaborate with us spreading the word among the young people on climate change and smart agriculture action.
During the first day a series of different panels were discussed, from climate change to agriculture and technology in Africa, including an event on youth and climate-smart agriculture where Ntiokam Divine presented our work along with Andrianjafy Rasoanindrainy. Also, among the speakers present today, were Dr. Yemi Akimbamijo, Executive Director of FARA, and Dr. Jimmy Smith, Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute.
Congratulations to FARA for their work and achievements in the last 15 years and for their efforts in enhancing African agriculture. We hope that in the future we continue collaborating for the African youth and for a sustainable environment.
During this week we will keep informing you about FARA’s celebration, so keep in touch to get the latest news.
For more information on Celebrating FARA please visit the event’s website: http://www.cvent.com/events/fara-celebration/event-summary-d6f2aa6a8f30480f89337e9cd1550251.aspx