Open Forum on Agricultural Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB)Biotechnology (OFAB)

OverviewOverview

ByByOFAB Programming Committee (PC)OFAB Programming Committee (PC)

Presented by Margaret Karembu Presented by Margaret Karembu (Chair, OFAB PC)(Chair, OFAB PC)

February 28February 28thth 2008, Jacaranda Hotel, Nairobi 2008, Jacaranda Hotel, Nairobi

About OFABAbout OFAB

A platform that provides an opportunity A platform that provides an opportunity for biotechnology stakeholders to for biotechnology stakeholders to network, share knowledge, network, share knowledge, experiences, and, explore new avenues experiences, and, explore new avenues for collaboration in bringing the benefits for collaboration in bringing the benefits of biotechnology to Africaof biotechnology to Africa

OFAB ManagementOFAB Management A collaborative initiative between the Africa A collaborative initiative between the Africa

Agricultural Technology Foundation - Agricultural Technology Foundation - AATFAATF and and International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications – biotech Applications – ISAAA AfricenterISAAA Africenter

Activities are organized and managed by a Activities are organized and managed by a programming committee programming committee (OFAB-PC)(OFAB-PC) comprising comprising volunteer scientists and communication experts volunteer scientists and communication experts from international, regional and national from international, regional and national organizationsorganizations

OFAB PC MembersOFAB PC Members

1.1. Dr Margaret Karembu Dr Margaret Karembu ISAAA (Chairperson)ISAAA (Chairperson)

2.2. Dr Wilson SongaDr Wilson Songa Ministry of AgricultureMinistry of Agriculture

3.3. Dr Fred Kanampiu Dr Fred Kanampiu CIMMYTCIMMYT

4.4. Dr Eucharia Kenya Dr Eucharia Kenya Kenyatta UniversityKenyatta University

5.5. Dr Simon Gichuki Dr Simon Gichuki KARI-BiotechKARI-Biotech

6.6. Dr Dan Kiambi Dr Dan Kiambi ICRISATICRISAT

7.7. Mrs Nancy MuchiriMrs Nancy Muchiri AATFAATF

8.8. Mr Daniel Otunge Mr Daniel Otunge ISAAA (Secretary)ISAAA (Secretary)

Topics CoveredTopics Covered

September 2006-November September 2006-November 20072007

13 OFAB Sessions held so far 13 OFAB Sessions held so far covering various topics presented covering various topics presented

by both local and international by both local and international experts in biotech-related fieldsexperts in biotech-related fields

OFAB 1OFAB 1Official launch:

Dr Noah Wekesa, Minister for Science and Technology

Other Speakers

Mr. Mark Cantley, UKPublic Policy for Biotechnology: International lessons - European

Experience

Mr. Wellington Chadehumbe, RSA Truth, Freedom and Economic Growth

Dr Charles N WaturuDr Charles N WaturuCenter Director, KARI-Thika Center Director, KARI-Thika The status of Confined Field Trials The status of Confined Field Trials of Bt cotton in Kenyaof Bt cotton in Kenya

OFAB 2OFAB 2 OFAB 3OFAB 3

Mr. Lucas Sese - ABSFMr. Lucas Sese - ABSFIntellectual Property Rights and Agriculture: Role and Implications on Biotechnology Research, Development and Innovation

OFAB 4OFAB 4 OFAB 5OFAB 5

Dr Kandeh Yumkella, UNIDO, DGThe role of S&T in Africa’s development process

Prof. T J Higgins, AustraliaStatus of Bt Cowpea research and development

OFAB 6OFAB 6

Dr Edward RegeDirector, Biotechnology Theme, ILRI Status of the Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa (BecA)

OFAB 7OFAB 7

Prof Robert Paarlberg Professor of Political Science, Wellesley CollegeExamining GMOs concerns

OFAB 8OFAB 8 OFAB 9OFAB 9

Mr Obongo Nyachae, CEO, STAK Secretary, Eastern Africa Seed Committee of ASARECA Harmonization of seed policies and regulations in Eastern Africa: Key Challenges and Results

Prof Crispus Kiamba PS Min S&T and Dr Wilson Songa Agriculture SecretaryStakeholders Dialogue on Biosafety Bill 2007

Dr Francis Nang’ayo Regulatory Affairs Specialist, AATF

The Status of Biosafety Regulations in Africa

OFAB 10OFAB 10

OFAB 11OFAB 11Launching of OFAB WebsiteLaunching of OFAB Website

Now operational and interactive – Use it Now operational and interactive – Use it for feedback, follow-ups and VOTING..for feedback, follow-ups and VOTING..

Dr. Wilson SongaDr. Wilson SongaAgriculture Secretary, Agriculture Secretary,

Launching OFAB WebsiteLaunching OFAB Website

http://www.ofabafrica.org

OFAB 12OFAB 12OFAB 13 – OFAB 13 –

End of Year 2007 Get-togetherEnd of Year 2007 Get-together

Prof. Jenesio KinyamarioBiosafeTrain Coordinator

East Africa; Thematic Head, Ecology and Environmental

Sciences UON

Dr David HoisingtonApplications of Genomics in Cereal and Legume Improvement

Operational Biotech Operational Biotech LandscapeLandscape

Operational Biotech Operational Biotech Landscape..Landscape..

Operational Biotech Operational Biotech LandscapeLandscape

What role for OFAB???

Suggested Suggested Activities for OFAB Activities for OFAB

2008 2008

Thank you!Thank you!