Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) organized a seminar on the status of agricultural research in Africa on 26 August 2019 in conjunction with the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) held in Yokohama on 28-30 August 2019.

World Vegetable Center Director General Dr. Marco Wopereis was among the speakers who discussed multilateral initiatives toward the common goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

In the keynote address, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) President Dr. Masa Iwanaga introduced various research initiatives being undertaken by JIRCAS in Africa. JIRCAS is collaborating with international partners in addressing food and nutrition security issues and the development of technologies that meet the needs of farmers in Africa. Dr. Iwanaga also serves as vice-chair of the World Vegetable Center Board of Directors.

Dr. Matthew Morell (IRRI Director General), Dr. Ntranya Sanginga (IITA Director General) and Dr. Belay Begashaw (SDGC/A Director General also spoke at the seminar.