Yemi Akinbamijo, the Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) met with Farming First TV to discuss why an African research agenda must be Africa-led, Africa-driven, and Africa-owned.

“For the first time, Africans should be given a say about the design and the development of the strategy we are taking” he commented. “If the agenda is not Africa-led, it is synonymous with raising your family from your neighbour’s kitchen, it does not make sense”.

Dr. Akinbamijo explained that Africa’s two main challenges are the lack of technological know-how, and the lack of infrastructure. Quoting late President Mutharika’s dream of a “food secure Africa”, he told us that Africa needs to up its game to be able to ensure that it can bridge the gap between what ought to be and what is, and unlock the potential of African farmers.

This video was originally posted on Farming First TV Channel on October 14, 2014.

Watch it on YouTube.