1. Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Overview By OFAB Programming Committee (PC) Presented by Margaret Karembu (Chair, OFAB PC) February 28 th 2008, Jacaranda Hotel, Nairobi

2. About OFAB A platform that provides an opportunity for biotechnology stakeholders to network, share knowledge, experiences, and, explore new avenues for collaboration in bringing the benefits of biotechnology to Africa

3. OFAB Management A collaborative initiative between the Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation - AATF and International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications – ISAAA Africenter A collaborative initiative between the Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation - AATF and International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications – ISAAA Africenter Activities are organized and managed by a programming committee (OFAB-PC) comprising volunteer scientists and communication experts from international, regional and national organizations Activities are organized and managed by a programming committee (OFAB-PC) comprising volunteer scientists and communication experts from international, regional and national organizations

4. OFAB PC Members 1. Dr Margaret Karembu ISAAA (Chairperson) 2. Dr Wilson Songa Ministry of Agriculture 3. Dr Fred Kanampiu CIMMYT 4. Dr Eucharia Kenya Kenyatta University 5. Dr Simon Gichuki KARI-Biotech 6. Dr Dan Kiambi ICRISAT 7. Mrs Nancy Muchiri AATF 8. Mr Daniel Otunge ISAAA (Secretary)

5. Topics Covered September 2006-November 2007 13 OFAB Sessions held so far covering various topics presented by both local and international experts in biotech- related fields

6. OFAB 1 Official launch: Dr Noah Wekesa, Minister for Science and Technology Other Speakers Mr. Mark Cantley, UK Public Policy for Biotechnology: International lessons - European Experience Mr. Wellington Chadehumbe, RSA Truth, Freedom and Economic Growth

7. Dr Charles N Waturu Center Director, KARI-Thika The status of Confined Field Trials of Bt cotton in Kenya OFAB 2 OFAB 3 Mr. Lucas Sese - ABSF Intellectual Property Rights and Agriculture: Role and Implications on Biotechnology Research, Development and Innovation

8. OFAB 4 OFAB 5 Dr Kandeh Yumkella, UNIDO, DG The role of S&T in Africa’s development process Prof. T J Higgins, Australia Status of Bt Cowpea research and development

9. OFAB 6 Dr Edward Rege Director, Biotechnology Theme, ILRI Status of the Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa (BecA) OFAB 7 Prof Robert Paarlberg Professor of Political Science, Wellesley College Examining GMOs concerns

10. OFAB 8 OFAB 9 Mr Obongo Nyachae, CEO, STAK Secretary, Eastern Africa Seed Committee of ASARECA Harmonization of seed policies and regulations in Eastern Africa: Key Challenges and Results Prof Crispus Kiamba PS Min S&T and Dr Wilson Songa Agriculture Secretary Stakeholders Dialogue on Biosafety Bill 2007

11. Dr Francis Nang’ayo Regulatory Affairs Specialist, AATF The Status of Biosafety Regulations in Africa OFAB 10

12. OFAB 11 Launching of OFAB Website Now operational and interactive – Use it for feedback, follow-ups and VOTING.. Dr. Wilson Songa Agriculture Secretary, Launching OFAB Website http://www.ofabafrica.org

13. OFAB 12 OFAB 13 – End of Year 2007 Get-together Prof. Jenesio Kinyamario BiosafeTrain Coordinator East Africa; Thematic Head, Ecology and Environmental Sciences UON Dr David Hoisington Applications of Genomics in Cereal and Legume Improvement

14. Operational Biotech Landscape

15. Operational Biotech Landscape..

16. Operational Biotech Landscape What role for OFAB???

17. Suggested Activities for OFAB 2008

18. Thank you!