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Africa Rice Center

Maintaining WARDA’s research momentum

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the exciting developments that are taking place in WARDA, confirming that the Center’s research quality continues to meet the highest international standards and win widespread recognition. One such recognition was the ‘Grand Prix du Président de la République pour les Sciences’ — Senegal’s highest award for Science — that President Abdoulaye Wade personally conferred on 30 June 2003 on the WARDA team based in Senegal and its partners for the adaptation and dissemination of the ASI threshercleaner, the most widely used rice thresher in the country.

WARDA’s research activities that have been temporarily relocated from Ivory Coast to Mali are thriving and it was an incredible experience for me during my recent trip there to see our rice trials flourishing under marginal upland conditions, which again proves that commitment and partnership can overcome major obstacles.

Our scientists have been actively engaged in the 2003 research planning meeting and the development of the Strategic Plan. WARDA is also fully involved in the development process of the Challenge Program for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as well as in discussions with partners on the future course of action for the dissemination of NERICA. Dr Inoussa Akintayo, who has just joined WARDA as the African Rice Initiative (ARI) Coordinator will add the necessary fillip to this effort.

I wish to thank all our partners and inform them that the peace process in Ivory Coast is well under way and we have developed a progressive return plan to our headquarters in Bouaké.

Kanayo F. Nwanze
Director General