World Bank welcomes Sudan’s decision to join CGIAR fund
October 25, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The World Bank (WB) issued a statement on Friday welcoming Sudan’s decision to join the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Fund saying it affirms the country’s status as an agricultural nation.
“Sudan stands to benefit from CGIAR’s proven expertise in the agriculture, food and environmental sectors,” said Xavier Furtado WB Country Representative to Sudan.
“I would like to congratulate the Government of Sudan for its bold decision to become a donor to the CGIAR Fund. The World Bank is pleased to facilitate this partnership and we look forward to continuing our close partnership with Sudan’s authorities and supporting their efforts to diversify the economy for greater poverty reduction impact”.
CGIAR was described as a global partnership with over 40 years of experience generating cutting-edge science and technology to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve health and nutrition, and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources across the developing world.
“Agriculture is central to Sudan’s future,” said Sudanese agricultural minister Ibrahim El-Dukheri.
“As a donor to the CGIAR Fund, Sudan both contributes to and benefits from the scientific, technological, and policy expertise necessary to transform its rural economy, reduce poverty, and improve the everyday lives of Sudan’s citizens. I would like to thank the World Bank in Sudan for helping to make this happen” the Sudanese official said.
The statement recalled that in 2014, Sudan signed a two-year agreement and contributed $1.0 million to the CGIAR’s multi-donor trust fund in 2014-2015.
The CGIAR Fund supports 16 global research programs, which are carried out by the CGIAR’s consortium of 15 international research centers in collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
As a donor to the CGIAR Fund, Sudan supports the development and dissemination of improved crop varieties, livestock vaccines, and sustainable agroforestry and farming practices – public goods that are freely available to all, and adaptable to local needs and conditions.
The World Bank’s partnership with CGIAR complements its existing technical assistance to Sudan’s agricultural sector, which includes a study on agricultural transformation and participation in the Enabling the Business of Agriculture Survey, as well as support in the area of land governance.
(ST)