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The top figure at Cameroon's Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI) has urged agricultural experts, meeting in the Cameroonian capital this October 2022, to formulate concrete solutions to the current challenges facing agriculture in West and Central Africa (WCA). 

S. E. Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, was speaking at the opening ceremony of the first WCA Agricultural Research Leaders Forum, organized by CORAF with the support of the Cameroon government through MINRESI and the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD). 

After painting a gloomy picture of agriculture, which is currently facing enormous challenges in WCA, H.E. Dr TCHUINTE said that in view of the worrying situation, it was vital to seek sustainable solutions to strengthen the resilience of the sub-region's agro-sylvo-pastoral systems.

To this end, the Cameroonian authorities are calling on the community of experts in the agricultural sector who, they believe, have an obligation to provide solutions to these complex challenges facing agriculture.

"Policy-makers in West and Central Africa are looking to you for clearly defined strategies that can serve as a compass for boosting agricultural production and consolidating food security," declared H.E. Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE.

CORAF's key role

To this end, the Minister recognizes the decisive role played by CORAF in this mission, in particular that of researching and disseminating proven technologies and innovations, introducing them into the field to substantially stimulate the agricultural economy. 

"I sincerely hope that the presence in Cameroon for three (03) days of experts and specialists in agricultural research and development from a variety of backgrounds will enable sub-regional agricultural research to meet the challenge of boosting agricultural productivity", expressed Cameroon's Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation. 

"It's a colossal and difficult task, but given the scientific expertise of each of the agricultural players present, I'm convinced that the conclusions and recommendations that will be made at the end of the discussions will certainly help to meet the challenges facing our agricultural research system," declared IRAD Director General Dr Noe WOIN.

CORAF initiated the WCA Agricultural Research Leaders' Forum to provide a suitable framework for stakeholders to discuss the constraints facing the agricultural sector and propose appropriate solutions.

The first edition opened on October 19 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and will run until October 21 on the theme "Improving capacities to strengthen resilience in the face of challenges and crises affecting agricultural productivity in West and Central Africa".

The CORAF Forum brings together around one hundred and fifty people in the Cameroonian capital, with the aim of galvanizing CORAF stakeholders to examine how existing sub-regional priority research themes contribute to increasing agricultural productivity and building a robust food system in WCA.

Read also: 

• The first CORAF Forum opens in Yaoundé
• Yaoundé hosts the first Forum of Agricultural Research Leaders in West and Central Africa
• CORAF 2022 Forum live: Report from the WCA Agricultural Research Leaders Forum