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International Conference on the Role of Chemistry in Sustainable Agriculture and Human Well-being in Africa to be held at Stellenbosch University, South Africa

release 9 Apr 2007

For the first time in history, one of the prestigious CHEMRAWN Conferences will be held in South Africa. From 2 to 5 December 2007, CHEMRAWN XII, titled The Role of Chemistry in Sustainable Agriculture and Human Well-being in Africa, will take place at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape Province, South Africa.

The conference is part of the CHEMRAWN series of conferences. CHEMRAWN, or CHEMical Research Applied to World Needs, is a standing committee of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

The conference has already attracted recognised scientists as speakers and workshop presenters from various African countries and elsewhere. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Pedro Sanchez, a former recipient of the World Food Prize and currently the director of Tropical Agriculture at the Earth Institute, Columbia University.

The scientific programme will focus on improving the quality of life of the peoples of Africa through the provision of adequate food, with specific attention to the role of chemistry. The goals of the programme include:

  • to come to a better understanding of sustainable agriculture in Africa in a globalised market;
  • to develop a systems approach to optimising food provision in Africa;
  • to utilise high technology, including green chemistry, in ensuring food security in Africa;
  • to highlight chemistry as a core science in food security in Africa;
  • to take advantage of agricultural produce from Africa as a source of high value and niche products; and
  • to promote science-based capacity development at universities as a prerequisite for food security in Africa.

The conference organisers endeavour to attract top scientists, research students, industrialists, and policymakers involved in the food chain in Africa to the conference and to ensure that the findings of the conference are well communicated and acted upon.

Prof. Pieter Steyn, chairperson of the conference organising committee, says: “The holding of CHEMRAWN XII is most timely, as evidenced by recent events. The provision of safe and adequate food is very high on the political and economic agenda in Africa. The proposed scientific programme coincides with Africa’s Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action, the decisions of the recent African Union Summit on Science, Technology and Research for Africa’s socioeconomic development, and the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda.”

Themes to be covered during the course of the conference include:

  • African agriculture in a global context: chemistry as the enabler;
  • adequate, safe and affordable food for Africa;
  • the safe development and application of biotechnology in agricultural production;
  • securing and sustaining water and soil quality for agricultural production;
  • technologies to reduce post-harvest food loss;
  • the role of chemicals in sustainable agriculture;
  • value-added and niche chemicals from agricultural produce; and
  • the role of agriculture in building a sustainable energy base.

Delegates to CHEMRAWN XII will not only enjoy the scientific programme on offer, but also the rich cultural diversity and natural beauty that have placed Stellenbosch and Cape Town among the world’s top tourist destinations.

Interested persons are invited to visit the conference website at www.chemrawn.co.za, or to contact Ms Christelle Snyman (tel.: +27 21 938 9245, fax: +27 21 933 2649, e-mail: [email protected]) for more information.


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