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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
CABIO: Mobilizing Science and Technology to Reduce Poverty and Hunger
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
http://www.usaid.gov
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810
2003-063
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2003
The Collaborative Agricultural Biotechnology Initiative (CABIO) will help developing countries access and manage the tools of modern biotechnology as part of an integrated drive to improve agricultural productivity, environmental sustain-ability and nutrition. Supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CABIO will embrace a comprehensive strategy for technology development, management, and implementation:
- Research and technology development will address developing countries' crop and animal production needs by providing a better understanding of potential impacts on biodiversity and the environment.
- Strengthening public institutions will lead to research, development of policy and regulatory frameworks, informed decision-making and public outreach to promote safe use of biotechnology.
- Local private sector development will help to deliver new technology and integrate it into local agri-food systems.
Why CABIO?
USAID's agriculture strategy aims to stimulate economic growth and food security by increasing agricultural productivity. Developing and harnessing the tools of modern biotechnology is vital to this effort. At the same time, biotechnology can fight malnutrition by raising the level of Vitamin A, iron, and zinc in key food crops.
To realize the promise of this new science requires equipping developing countries to make informed decisions about the use of biotechnology. USAID is committed to helping developing countries build biosafety regulatory systems, funding research to examine potential impacts on biodiversity and involving local institutions in public outreach to address concerns about biotechnology.
CABIO will support collaborations between local, regional and international institutions, both public and private, to address priorities in the following areas:
- Biotechnology Applications for Developing Countries - Developing countries can integrate biotechnology into current agricultural research through support for collaborative research with advanced research institutions regionally, internationally and in the private sector.
- Creating an Enabling Policy Environment - Biosafety regulatory systems and intellectual property rights (IPRs) play a crucial role in access to, and safe use of, modern bio-technology. Under CABIO, USAID will support regulatory development; capacity building; and analysis of biotech policy in relation to broader economic, food and environment strategies.
- Human and Institutional Capacity Building - New linkages and collaborative training connecting local institutions with U.S. and other international institutions will broaden intellectual, government and business relationships, and give client countries access to new technologies and expertise. This will build capacity-a key Agency objective-both in the technology itself and in the enabling policy framework (biosafety, IPR, technology transfer). Activities will target a wide range of stake-holders, including scientists, policymakers and the media.
- Public Outreach - Along with scientists and government, the public plays a role in developing policy and adopting technology. Engaging local researchers and policy makers in outreach and communication with the broader public stakeholders is a key component of CABIO.
An Integrated Framework of Activities
Global Programs
Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project (ABSP) II: This U.S. university-led effort will bring together a consortium of partners from U.S. public and private sectors, international research institutions, and developing countries for collaborative technology development and scientific training.
Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS): This will create the infrastructure developing countries need to use biotechnology safely, building policies and capacity for science-based regulations and examining biosafety in the broader context of economics, environment, science, and trade issues.
Biofortified Crops to Combat Micronutrient Deficiency: This joint program of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and U.S. and other international universities addresses micronutrient malnutrition by raising Vitamin A, iron and zinc content in crops. It employs traditional breeding and nutrition analysis and education, along with biotechnology tools.
Regional Approaches in Africa
Biosafety: In partnership with regional African organizations and networks, USAID already supports regional biosafety training in East/Central and Southern Africa. CABIO will expand these efforts to include West Africa.
Technology Development: USAID is assisting priority-setting programs in East/Central and West Africa that should lead to a regional research agenda for African subregional agricultural research organizations. In addition, to better engage the private sector, USAID is supporting the development of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) with the Rockefeller Foundation.
At the Country Level
In Africa - With the goal of building African centers of excellence in biotechnology, USAID is working with governments in six key African countries-South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya, Mali and Uganda-through its bilateral assistance programs.
In Asia and Near East - Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Philippines and Indonesia are integrating bio-technology into USAID bilateral assistance programs.
In Latin America and the Caribbean - With a renewed vision of agriculture's role in building rural livelihoods and trade, USAID will develop new approaches taking advantage of existing biotech strengths in the region.
New science and technology, new trade opportunities for developing countries' farmers, promoting environmentally sustainable management, and bridging the rural knowledge divide through outreach and local adaptive research - together these objectives support USAID's vision of agriculture as an important driver of economic development, and all are integral to CABIO. Biotechnology and CABIO strongly reflect USAID's revitalized commitment to agricultural development.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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