Political Backing Crucial to Drive Science, Innovation in Africa
By Sharon Atieno
As the inaugural CGIAR Science Week commenced in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, leaders called for political will to drive science and innovations across the continent, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Africa has 65 percent of the world’s arable land and 10 percent of its internal renewable fresh water sources, yet the continent grapples with food insecurity and low agricultural productivity.
Speaking during a panel session, Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Former Prime Minister Niger and African Union special envoy for food systems said that there is need to add political solutions to the technical solutions that are in existence.
Noting that the continent has very few leaders who are scientists, he said: “We need more leaders who are aware of the usefulness of science. Science is the mindset which focuses on problem-solving. This mindset is the key issue to solve the challenges we face.”
Mohamed Beavogui, Former Prime Minister Republic of Guinea noted that leaders are not responding as fast as they should to the needs of the people especially in regard to providing nutritious food.
“Our lands are degrading very fast and the response is not adequate. To date, we are still using 20kgs of fertilizer per hectare when others are using more than 137kgs per hectare. Climate change is giving us erratic rains, droughts, floods and we don’t have the right responses on the ground. Our farmers suffer from lack of access, access to finance, technology and et cetera, and women are still excluded,” Beavogui said.
Moving the science and innovations from the lab to the land and the land to the plate is a matter of policy, he said, noting, “Our leaders need to be bolder, practical and inclusive.”
Observing that brain drain from the continent is an issue, Dr. Ameena Gurib-Fakim, Former President of Mauritius, noted that having leaders who are scientists at the helm of leadership will build the ecosystem needed to attract talented fellow Africans back to the continent.
It will also help in improving the quality of education, making it fit for purpose. “Rote learning is out; learning by discovering and learning by doing is on. Especially in the advent of artificial intelligence, where we will need all talents on board, all data as well as regulations for technology,” she said.
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria, noted that science and technology are essential in solving Africa’s challenges, but political will is crucial in driving it.
He underscored that even when the president is not a scientist, they should surround themselves with experts and competent people who will use their knowledge and expertise to move the country forward.
“Before science and innovation can work, the president must be politically willing to move the country forward. That commitment must be there. When the president has that commitment in any sector, he will look for the best people to manage that sector for him and he will listen to them,” he stressed.
The CGIAR Science Week, organized by CGIAR and the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), brings together the world’s leading scientists and decision-makers in agriculture, climate, and health to advance research and innovation, inspire action, and establish critical partnerships that can secure investment in sustainable food systems to nourish both people and the planet.