The 28th Ordinary Session of the AfricaRice
Council of Ministers (CoM) was held in Banjul chaired by Gambia, on 22 and 23
September. The opening message of the President of Gambia, delivered by the
Secretary General, recognized that AfricaRice has been relentless in its
advocacy for support to the rice sector in sub-Saharan Africa.
Recognizing that international public goods,
such as improved varieties, crop management options and evidence-based policy
recommendations, generated by AfricaRice and its partners have contributed
significantly to boosting the rice sector in sub-Saharan Africa, the CoM
encouraged non-member countries in Africa that are benefiting from these goods
to join the Association.[1]
The Council gave its full support to GRiSP, approved the Center’s new Strategic Plan for 2011-2020, and asked the Center to develop an operational plan as soon as possible to be implemented in collaboration with national partners. After reviewing the research and development activities of the Center over the previous 5 years, the Council commended the efforts of the Director General and staff.
At the end of the Session, the Council made 10
key resolutions and approved Chad’s assumption as Chair of the Council for the
next 2 years.
[1] Africa Rice Center was established as the West Africa
Rice Development Association in 1971, and the inter-governmental Association
remains at the heart of the Center, a feature that distinguishes AfricaRice
from all other CGIAR centers.
