A collection of the world’s foremost agricultural scientists, professors and experts are set to descend upon Abu Dhabi to develop initiatives aimed at feeding the rapidly increasing global population, against a backdrop of dwindling resources and climate change.

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) Hosted Scientists Programme is running at the upcoming Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) which returns to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on March 20 and 21, with the support of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

More than 200 scientists are being hosted by ADFCA for the programme, including Professor Cather Simpson from the University of Auckland, New Zealand; Professor Abdulrahman Saad A Aldawood from King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Professor Francis Wambalaba from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya; and Professor Vladan Bogdanovic from the University of Belgrade in Serbia.

Thamer Al Qasemi, director of the communication and community service division at ADFCA, said: “The response to our call for scientists to help fuel the fight against world hunger was very positive and we have brought together some of the best minds in the world to hold an intensive range of high level discussions at the GFIA.  

ADFCA has partnered with the University of Arizona for the first topic panel sessions which will discuss how the scientific community can work with commerce and private organisations to help transfer research from the lab to the field more quickly.

Al Qasemi added: “Our second topic will focus on sustainable animal production and how to meet the ever-increasing demand for meat products amongst consumers in the region, as the population grows and dietary habits evolve.  Many livelihoods in rural communities traditionally depend on raising livestock, and these smallholders are facing increasing threats from desertification and climate change."  

GFIA, now in its 4th edition, will also feature an exhibition hosting some 300 companies, a conference focussing on Mena food production, and an Innovations Programme, showcasing a series of 15-minute talks from companies who think they have a next-generation solution that could shape the future of farming around the world.  

Further information can be found at www.InnovationsInAgriculture.com. - TradeArabia News Service