Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology OFAB Overview

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Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology
(OFAB)Overview

• By
• OFAB Programming Committee (PC)
• Presented by Margaret Karembu
• (Chair, OFAB PC)

February 28th 2008, Jacaranda Hotel, Nairobi
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About OFAB

• A platform that provides an opportunity for
  biotechnology stakeholders to network, share
  knowledge, experiences, and, explore new avenues
  for collaboration in bringing the benefits of
  biotechnology to Africa

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OFAB Management

• A collaborative initiative between the Africa
  Agricultural Technology Foundation - AATF and
  International Service for the Acquisition of
  Agri-biotech Applications ISAAA Africenter
• Activities are organized and managed by a
  programming committee (OFAB-PC) comprising
  volunteer scientists and communication experts
  from international, regional and national
  organizations

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OFAB PC Members

• Dr Margaret Karembu ISAAA (Chairperson)
• Dr Wilson Songa Ministry of Agriculture
• Dr Fred Kanampiu CIMMYT
• Dr Eucharia Kenya Kenyatta University
• Dr Simon Gichuki KARI-Biotech
• Dr Dan Kiambi ICRISAT
• Mrs Nancy Muchiri AATF
• Mr Daniel Otunge ISAAA (Secretary)

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Topics Covered September 2006-November 2007

• 13 OFAB Sessions held so far covering various
  topics presented by both local and international
  experts in biotech-related fields

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OFAB 1
Official launch Dr Noah Wekesa, Minister for
Science and Technology
Other Speakers
Mr. Mark Cantley, UK Public Policy for
Biotechnology International lessons - European
Experience
Mr. Wellington Chadehumbe, RSA Truth, Freedom
and Economic Growth
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OFAB 2
OFAB 3
Mr. Lucas Sese - ABSF Intellectual Property
Rights and Agriculture Role and Implications on
Biotechnology Research, Development and
Innovation
Dr Charles N Waturu Center Director, KARI-Thika
The status of Confined Field Trials of Bt cotton
in Kenya
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OFAB 4
OFAB 5
Prof. T J Higgins, Australia Status of Bt Cowpea
research and development
Dr Kandeh Yumkella, UNIDO, DG The role of ST in
Africas development process
9
OFAB 6
OFAB 7
Dr Edward Rege Director, Biotechnology Theme,
ILRI Status of the Biosciences Eastern and
Central Africa (BecA)
Prof Robert Paarlberg Professor of Political
Science, Wellesley College Examining GMOs concerns
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OFAB 8
OFAB 9
Prof Crispus Kiamba PS Min ST and Dr Wilson
Songa Agriculture Secretary Stakeholders Dialogue
on Biosafety Bill 2007
Mr Obongo Nyachae, CEO, STAK Secretary, Eastern
Africa Seed Committee of ASARECA Harmonization of
seed policies and regulations in Eastern Africa
Key Challenges and Results
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OFAB 10
Dr Francis Nangayo Regulatory Affairs
Specialist, AATF The Status of Biosafety
Regulations in Africa
12
OFAB 11Launching of OFAB Website

• Now operational and interactive Use it for
  feedback, follow-ups and VOTING..

http//www.ofabafrica.org
Dr. Wilson SongaAgriculture Secretary, Launching
OFAB Website
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OFAB 12
OFAB 13 End of Year 2007 Get-together
Dr David Hoisington Applications of Genomics in
Cereal and Legume Improvement
Prof. Jenesio Kinyamario BiosafeTrain
Coordinator East Africa Thematic Head, Ecology
and Environmental Sciences UON
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Operational Biotech Landscape
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Operational Biotech Landscape..
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Operational Biotech Landscape
What role for OFAB???
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Suggested Activities for OFAB 2008
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• Thank you!