The celebratory FARA event is tagged Renewing, Repositioning and Refocusing FARA, and placed under the theme: FARA – Delivering Africa’s Future Through Science-led Agricultural Transformation. It is intended to recognize and appreciate the dedicated efforts of the Secretariat and its constituent forum members in strengthening African agricultural information, knowledge and innovation systems, and above all, in the celebration of Africa’s scientific achievers. The event will showcase the Power of Science in Africa’s agricultural transformation. In doing this, Çelebrating FARA will strengthen the FARA Brand and Corporate Identity while re-positioning FARA for improved performance and enhanced effectiveness over the next decade.

More than 570 people worldwide are expected to participate in the Celebrating FARA Gathering to be held at Birchwood hotel from November 26 to 28, 2014. The Celebratory Gala dinner will take place November 28 at the Emperors Palace.

The Celebratory event will feature the following speakers, among others:

• Her Excellency Mrs Rhoda-Peace Tumusiime, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union Commission (AUC)
• Dr Kanayo Nwanze, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
• Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency
• Prof. Calestous Juma, Visiting Professor at MIT and Harvard Kennedy School
• Dr Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, CEO, FANRPAN, Pretoria, South Africa.

Several side events organized by FARA stakeholders and partners, including an Agricultural Technology Fair by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), as well as various side events facilitated by the FARA Secretariat are scheduled during this week-long Celebrations. A total of 23 organizations have also been registered for exhibition. During the event, Awards will be given to deserving individuals for their contribution to the work of FARA, the FARA new logo will be officially un-veiled, and its new website launched.

‘This event flags off the rebirth of our vision and strategic role in our quest for a food-secure Africa’ says Dr Yemi Akinbamijo, the Executive Director of FARA, during a Twitter chat organized on 21st November. The African Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (AAAST), being initiated and promoted by FARA, as well as its journal the Journal of the African Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (JAAAST) will also be introduced during the Gala dinner.

About FARA

FARA is the apex organization charged with the strategic role of coordinating agricultural research and development in Africa. FARA weaves together key networks and stakeholders on the continent and globally to reinforce the capacity of Africa to improve its agricultural science and innovation for food security and poverty reduction. FARA was established as an independent organization in 2002. It is based in Accra, Ghana.