As Africa grapples with the pressing challenge of food security, a crucial side event at the 67th General Conference (GC67) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to shed light on innovative solutions.
The event titled “Applying Advanced and Climate-Smart Technologies for a Food-Secure Africa” promises to showcase the transformative potential of advanced and climate-smart technologies in addressing the continent’s food security issues.
According to the organizers, the side event, scheduled for Friday, 29 September 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Conference Room CR-03, C Building, Seventh Floor, Vienna International Center, will feature presentations on a range of topics vital to food security in Africa which includes agricultural soil and water management, improved crop production, enhanced livestock production, the control of insect pests, and crucial improvements in food safety.
One key highlight of the event will be the strategic support provided by the IAEA in partnership with various stakeholders.
It will underscore the pivotal role of nuclear techniques in ensuring food security across Africa and promote the IAEA as an invaluable partner in the quest for improved food security on the continent.
Owing to the combined efforts of the Technical Cooperation Department’s Division for Africa and the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, the program aims to demonstrate the IAEA’s unique role in applying peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology to achieve Africa’s Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal targets.
The coordinators further noted that UN agencies, development partners, and IAEA member states will find valuable insights in this event as they collaborate to tackle food security challenges in Africa and others.