As the International Banana Conference 2008 draws near, organizers are reminding interested parties to register and pay as soon as possible as registration fees are set to increase after September 18. This is to encourage early payments so that advanced bookings can be made with hotels for accommodation as well as other related arrangements. Those who wish to do so should register online at www.banana2008.com.
The event is slated to be held on 5-9 October at the Lesiure Lodge Resort in the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya.
Dr. Thomas Dubois, IITA scientist and coordinator of the conference, is urging those with research and business interests in banana to register as soon as possible as “slots and accommodation are fast filling up”.
He adds, “The event is a rare and fantastic opportunity for the various banana research and industry players in Africa to come together and learn from each other, build relationships and exp and networks. It is also a chance for local banana farmer-entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services”.
Around 400 players from industry, science, farmer and private sectors are expected to participate in the five-day meet. The conference will be officially opened by the Kenya Minister of Agriculture on behalf of the Kenyan Government and the Ug andan Minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry on behalf of the President of Ug anda, H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development will host the banana-themed opening dinner on Sunday, 5 October.
Aside from presentations, discussions and workshops, the conference will also constitute a substantial exhibition area, providing farmer groups, cooperatives and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their goods and services.
The event, the first-ever Pan African conference that will link state of the art research to new and emerging markets, will develop a 10-year strategy for banana and plantain in Africa. Capitalizing on the assembled banana and plantain expertise and knowledge, the strategy aims to harmonize and guide efforts to promote marketing and stimulate trade of the crop within the continent.
The conference has three essential themes: markets and trade, production, and innovation systems. The role of research and the importance of public-private sector partnerships will also be highlighted.
It is being organized and coordinated by IITA in cooperation with Bioversity International, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, and the International Society of Horticultural Science.
For further information, please contact: Dr. Thomas Dubois, Chair of the Banana 2008 Organizing Committee, IITA – Ug anda. Tel: +256 752787808. Email: t.dubois@cgiar.org. URL: www.banana2008.com.
Contribué par
Nouvelles connexes