A landmark moment in agricultural biotechnology will take center stage with the public signing of the CIP-KALRO Licensing Agreement to transfer a biotech potato resistant to late blight. This event marks a significant achievement in CGIAR’s mission to develop and deliver impactful, science-driven solutions that directly address the challenges faced by African farmers.
Late blight, a devastating disease responsible for up to 70% yield losses in potatoes, continues threatening food security and farmers' livelihoods across the continent. Traditional control methods, such as chemical fungicides, are costly, environmentally taxing, and often inaccessible to smallholder farmers—biotechnology steps in as a game-changer. By leveraging cutting-edge research, the biotech late blight-resistant potato significantly reduces the need for chemical inputs, enhances productivity, and improves farmers' resilience to climate-induced agricultural challenges.
This event will celebrate the power of strategic partnerships in agricultural innovation. The collaboration between the International Potato Center (CIP) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) exemplifies how CGIAR and National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) co-develop and deliver high-impact technologies, ensuring they reach the farmers who need them most. This partnership is about technology transfer and empowering national institutions to lead biotech innovation in their countries, fostering food security and driving economic growth.
The program will feature:
Expert insights on the impact of biotech solutions in African agriculture.
A high-level panel discussion with leaders from Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria on the opportunities and challenges of biotech adoption.
The official signing of the licensing agreement demonstrating CGIAR’s commitment to collaborative innovation.
A networking reception to facilitate deeper engagement among policymakers, scientists, donors, and private-sector stakeholders.
Join us as we witness science in action and celebrate a transformative step toward a food-secure future for Africa.
