At the launch of a $12.2 million Yam Improvement program, – a partnership with the CGIAR center IITA based in Ibadan, Nigeria; the UK’s Natural Resources Institute (NRI); Kenya based Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA); Catholic Relief Services (CRS); and with government agricultural research departments in Ghana and Nigeria– Global Development Officer for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Regina Kapinga referring to African yam yields, said “there is no major concern being shown by the governments to checkmate its steady decline.” She went on to indicate that private foundations and non-profit organisations are disillusioned by the lack of meaningful resource commitments and interest in agricultural development by some African governments. This could result in these organisations slowing or refraining from providing grants to African agriculture.
For further information on the story and launch of the Yam improvement program read:
allAfrica.com: Africa: Govts Apathys Threatening Agricultural Development Financing.
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