Agriculture is a vital sector in the economies of East Africa Countries. The sector plays a significant role in the livelihoods of citizens in the East Africa Community (EAC). The sector is dominated by smallholder mixed farming of livestock, food crops, cash crops, fishing and aquaculture. Additionally, more than 70% of the industries in the EAC region are agro-based and dependent on agriculture as the main source of raw materials. However, the productivity of agriculture in the EAC region is alarmingly decreasing mainly because of the mounting pressures of climate change concerns, diminishing resources, limited application of modern technologies as well as changing demographic trends where the overall workforce is dominated by old men and women. The challenge of low agricultural productivity has thus been a major cause of increased hunger, malnutrition and poverty in the EAC countries. It is therefore pertinent for all players to focus and put in place deliberate efforts for enhancing agricultural productivity, resilience and food security in East Africa.
Application of Science, technology and innovation highly contributes to the enhancement of agricultural productivity, resilience and food security in the EAC, which is in line with the aspirations of African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the EAC Vision 2050. Both frameworks emphasize the promotion of sustainable agricultural production and productivity in the region and recommends development of systems and technologies that can pre-empt disasters attributed to erratic climatic conditions in order to contribute to building resilience of the Community.
This conference sub-theme will highlight the key causes for low agricultural productivity in East Africa and present the potential technological and innovative solutions to enhance the productivity and improve the food security situation in the region. Presentations and discussions will focus on the role of STI in Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in East Africa.
Sub-themes: