Plan to increase food output through sustainable methods.
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro has called for an ‘African Green Revolution’ to help Africa in its ongoing struggle to feed itself. The final goal would be to double the continent’s food output through the use of sustainable techniques.
The Africa Green Revolution would be very different from the Green Revolution in India, much criticized by food activist Vandana Shiva on account of its disregard for the natural environment, biodiversity, and social conditions.
Migiro in fact urged that practices be developed respecting diverse cropping systems and ecological conditions in an effort to preserve biodiversity, and that African farmers be assured equal and fair access to markets to make this work.
“Food security must not suffer as a result of the growing demand for bio-fuels,” she said, “or as a result of long-term food export supply contracts.”
Migiro made her speech at the opening of the 17th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development where the 53-member commission will discuss and adopt a series of policy recommendations for agricultural development in Africa.
Source:
www.un.org