Amid Global Water Woes, International Experts Gather to Discuss How to Manage Water for Agriculture

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(l-r): Prof. Richard Mkandawire, NEPAD; Mr. Michael Hailu, CTA and Dr. David Molden, IWMI

South Africa will play host to a ground-breaking international seminar that will discuss the latest developments on sustainable water management for productive agriculture. The seminar, which will involve four events, is organised under the theme: Innovations for Sustainable Futures in Agriculture.

The Deputy Director General, Department of Science and Technology Ms. Marjorie Pyoos will address the week-long event that will be attended by high-profile delegates from over 100 countries.

Other speakers at the seminar include NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NEPAD Agency) CEO Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki and Mr Michael Hailu, Director, Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation (CTA) in Netherlands; as well as world experts on water and sustainable agriculture.

The Seminar will take place in Kempton Park, from Monday 22nd until Friday 26th November 2010. International experts will discuss water use in agriculture amidst acute global water shortage at the seminar jointly organised by the CTA and the NEPAD Agency. Issues around water access and availability to vulnerable communities, policy, investment, governance and knowledge systems will be thoroughly discussed. The seminar will also discuss innovations in science and technology, ICTs, and the role of youth, and mobile phones in agriculture.

Members of the media are invited to attend the Seminar, which will be preceded by a press conference.

The details of the press conference are as follows:

VENUE: The Premier Hotel O.R. Tambo; 73 Gladiator Street; Rhodesfields; Kempton Park; Johannesburg

DATE: 22 November 2010

TIME: 12:00 – 13:00 hrs

For updates on these events, go to:

22 November 2010 (16:00-18:30hrs) and press conference (12:00-13:00hrs):

http://antcast.antfarm.co.za/cta/november_2010_01/ [2]

23 November 2010 (15:30-18:00hrs):

http://antcast.antfarm.co.za/cta/november_2010_02/ [3]

26 November 2010 (15:00-17:00 hrs):

http://antcast.antfarm.co.za/cta/november_2010_03/ [4]