CGIAR Central Asia and the Caucasus

IAASTD RESULTS PRESENTED FOR THE CAC REGION

The results of the report on International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) for CWANA region were presented by Dr. Mustapha Guellouz, IAASTD Coordinator for CWANA region, to more than 30 NARS leaders from the CAC countries on 19th September, 2008, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The report, prepared under the co-chairmanship of Professors Judi Whakungu and Hans Herren (1995 World Food Prize Laureate), underscores the urgency of the challenge to ensure that there is enough food as well as water for the world population. Crop yields in the CWANA region have increased more slowly than the world average, leaving most countries net food importers. The report examines the potential of agricultural science and technology for reducing hunger and poverty, improving rural livelihoods, and contributing to environmentally, socially and economically sustainable development.

The NARS leaders from the CAC region highly appreciated the findings of the report and its importance as a guidepost in prioritizing actions on sustainable agricultural development in the CWANA region. They have also expressed their readiness to participate in preparation of the final version of the report by providing more inputs specific to the Central Asia and Caucasus region.

In addition, a Press Conference was organized for local media on the same day. Dr. Mustapha Guellouz, IAASTD Coordinator for CWANA region, informed the press, consisting of more than 20 correspondents of various local and international media, including newspapers, magazines, TV and radio, on the conclusions of the report. The findings of the report have generated a wide interest among the journalists; numerous reports and articles were published in the local and regional press, which covered the event as well as the findings of the IAASTD report. The event even made into the national TV newsprogram in Uzbekistan.