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Pride for Africa and
The Africa Rice Center
 It is a matter of immense pride for Africa and The Africa Rice Center (WARDA) that Dr Monty Jones has been selected as the co-laureate of the 2004
World Food Prize for the NERICA break-through. Dr Jones, Executive Secretary of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), is the first
African to receive this prestigious award.
NERICA’s increasing popularity has been the driving force for the Center’s expansion into Central and Eastern Africa. After signing a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Uganda, we have developed a comprehensive work-plan with
NARO, Sasakawa-Global 2000, and the private sector.
Uganda is also the focus of several projects of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). In February, CGIAR organized a
meeting with the Ugandan Members of Parliament in which Prof. Richard Musangi, WARDA Board Chair, represented the CGIAR. Representatives from
eight CGIAR centers participated.
We have just signed a MoU with the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA). The Center will
support the ASARECA Rice Research Network (ECSARRN); the Coordination Office will be based in Tanzania.
A significant milestone for the CGIAR is the signing of a MoU between the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and the
CGIAR-supported Centers represented by me as CDC Chair. This omnibus document provides political recognition for all CGIAR Centers with which
NEPAD can work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
The Joint Statement by Prof. Mkhulu (NEPAD Steering Committee Chair) and me, which was released after the signing ceremony, spelt out the
significance of the MOU and the joint activities that will be undertaken. "In the short to medium term, NEPAD working with the CGIAR Centers aims to
jointly develop and fast-track continent-wide programs with clearly defined activities focused on key commodities and successful technologies that
NEPAD and the African Union have identified as priorities."
Kanayo F. Nwanze
Director General
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