Using Science and Technology to Improve Water Management in Africa

USDA Side Event at the 32^nd FAO Conference

On December 2, 2003, the United States presented a side event at the 32^nd session of the FAO Conference in Rome, Italy.  The objective of the event was to review challenges faced in the African region to increase supplies of water for agricultural needs.  Speakers at the event considered lessons learned from specific projects and highlighted successful water management practices and technologies applicable to the region.

Ellen Terpstra moderated the event and provided a brief summary report from the FAO Round Table on The Role of Water and Infrastructure in Ensuring Sustainable Food Security.  J.B. Penn provided opening remarks, noting that this program was designed to build upon the work done during the Secretary’s June 2003 Ministerial Conference and Expo on Agricultural Science and Technology.  He noted further that the side event was to concentrate on a cooperative approach between public and private sectors to increase the productive and efficient management of water resources, highlighting the available technologies and identifying financial and programmatic resources available to maximize those technologies in Africa.  In addition, Louise Fresco, Assistant Director-General of FAO for Agriculture provided welcoming remarks.

Helmut Angula, Minister for Agriculture, Water and Rural Development in Namibia provided a power-point presentation highlighting critical water issues faced in Namibia.  Minister Angula also described water initiatives in Namibia and shared his insight on water policy programs.

Tobie du Toit, General Manager of Valley Irrigation of Southern Africa (Pty) Limited shared his experience in application of an emerging medium-holder project with the Valley Towable Spinner on an emerging commercial operation in Botswana.  He noted the special public – private partnership it has taken to make this operation a success.  In addition, Mr. Du Toit discussed further ventures that are under consideration.

Finally, Kenji Yoshinaga, Director of Land and Water Development Division of the Agriculture Department at FAO, highlighted simple and low-cost technologies in water management available for smallholders to improve food security.