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Summary of the Inaugural Symposium of the African
Association of Agricultural Economists
The Inaugural
Symposium of the African Association of Agricultural Economists was held
at the Grand Regency Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, during 6-8 December 2004.
Over 120 abstract submissions were received and the meeting attended by
over 90 representatives from African universities, research and
development institutions, business and the public sector in 24 countries
of Europe and Africa. It was officially opened by the Assistant Minister
of Planning and National Development Hon Peter Lesrima on behalf of the
Minister. It was closed by the Deputy Director of Agriculture who
represented the Minister. The objective of the symposium was to mobilize
agricultural economists and other social scientists throughout the
continent by increasing their knowledge of other nations' challenges,
promote mutual understanding and goodwill. Several scientists made
presentations on six themes of interest to the association. The theme of
the symposium was “Shaping the Future of African Agriculture for
Development: The Role of Social Scientists”. The symposium was conducted
through plenary, panel and group presentations and discussions. A number
of organizations also exhibited several scientific publications during the
meeting. The meeting provided a convenient opportunity for exchange of
ideas on improving the productivity of African agriculture. A symposium CD
and proceedings will be completed and distributed to participants and
various research and development institutions during the second quarter of
2005. The symposium program is available at the association website,
www.aaae-africa.org.
The conference
facilitated the official launching of the African Association of
Agricultural Economists (AAAE). This new association will address the
pressing issues facing African agriculture as well as forming a platform
for new ideas and establishing instruments of information exchange, and
engaging African scientists and governments in affecting global
initiatives. The members will also collaborate to help Africa to promote
the structural transformation to enable each sector of development to
become a sustained source of regional wealth by working closely with NEPAD
in implementing the framework of action. The association registered 83
new members who participated in the inaugural Annual General Meeting that
elected a new Management Board as follows: Willis Oluoch-Kosura
(President), Akin Adesina (Vice-President), Board Members: Isaac Minde
(East and Central Africa), Egnonto Koffi-Tessio (West Africa), Johann
Kirsten (Southern Africa), and Mohammed Moussaoui (North Africa).
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