Title: The need for a professional network of agricultural and biosystems engineers in Africa

Authors: Umezuruike Linus Opara

Addresses: Stellenbosch University, Faculty of AgriSciences, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa

Abstract: Agricultural productivity in Africa remains the lowest in the world, but recent concerns about food insecurity, rising food prices and resource depletion have spurred world-wide interest about the role of African agriculture in feeding Africa and the world. Majority of world's uncultivated agricultural land is in Africa, yet the capacity to harness this resource remains limited due partly to very low application of innovative technologies which contribute to improved factor productivity. Postharvest loss remains high in Africa due to inadequate infrastructure, limited agro-processing and other value addition activities, and lack of favourable policies. These challenges present unique opportunities for agricultural and biosystems engineers in Africa and around the world to come together as a critical mass of educators, researchers and thought leaders to drive the change needed to transform African agriculture. AfroAgEng will stimulate, promote and shape the education, research, policy and practice of agricultural and biosystems engineering in Africa.

Keywords: agricultural engineering; biosystems engineering; mechanisation; irrigation; food security; postharvest losses; agro-processing; technological innovation; Africa; agricultural productivity; agriculture; education; research; policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2012.050992

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2012 Vol.2 No.4, pp.426 - 432

Published online: 29 Oct 2014 *

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