Science and tech to boost agric productivity #kenya

Most experts agree that priming Sub-Saharan Africa's farm
economy - which typically accounts for between 30 to 40%
of gross domestic product and 65 to 70% of the labor force -
is vital for ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity
on the continent.
Now, in a new and concerted push, four countries in eastern
Africa - Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda - are
together taking steps to marshal the power of science, boost
food and dairy production, put more money into farmers'
pockets, help send and keep children in school, allow them
to eat more nutritious meals, and reduce agriculture's
environmental footprint.
The following success stories are drawn from work done
under the aegis of the East African Agricultural Productivity
Program (EAAPP) financed by the World Bank and partners.
The overarching goal of the EAAPP is to increase
agricultural productivity and growth in eastern Africa,
focusing on priority commodities such as cassava, rice,
wheat and smallholder dairy production.
The project is implemented by ASARECA, the Association
for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and
Central Africa and supports the objectives set by African
countries through the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture
Development Programme (CAADP).
"I am pleased that this program is well-aligned with the
objectives of CAADP to increase agricultural productivity
and improve nutrition, both of which are key to building
Africa's human capital," said Makhtar Diop, World Bank
Vice President for the Africa Region.
"These success stories show how science and technology
is enabling African farmers to grow more nutritious food
and boost inclusive growth."