Abstract

This presentation features an innovative initiative to improve governance for agricultural and allied development. The initiative, which is currently being piloted in the Rwenzori Region of Western Uganda, combines a set of coordinated local civil society interventions with best global corporate practices in improving development governance.

Abstract

Summary

Joachim von Braun, director general of IFPRI, launched the policy seminar by stating that both supply and demand factors are contributing to the current food price crisis. This crisis comes at a time when the world’s income distribution is more unequal than ever, and it compromises progress toward achieving the poverty and hunger Millennium Development Goals. In response to high food prices, von Braun noted that IFPRI has recommended two sets of policy actions. The first set is an emergency package that can yield immediate impact:

Development in Sub-Saharan Africa is often perceived as being blocked by issues of inappropriate agricultural technologies, immense institutional constraints, and deep problems with the organization and management of agricultural systems. In spite of this, there are many examples of technological, institutional, and organizational innovations that are transforming agriculture and leading to growth and development. However, many countries and agricultural systems remain mired in under-development, and face major barriers to the use of knowledge and innovation for development.