by Peter Mutai
NAIROBI, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Scientists on Tuesday called on sub-Saharan Africa to devise innovative technologies in the fight against climate change and hunger.
The scientists attending the Science Week in Kenya's Nairobi also challenged the governments to integrate agriculture and human health to private sector and universities in their programs to help increase food production.
Richard Deckelbaum of Columbia University's Department of Pediatrician and Epidemiology said the region has to urgently develop new approaches to respond to climate change, water scarcity and food production to help feed the increasing population.
"Governments need to put priority in higher education by training many researchers to embrace creative approaches to tackling challenges posed by climate change," said Deckelbaum.
He said that climate change and food production which are interlinked require new approaches in the way policies, partnerships and investments pull together to achieve common goals and produce the most needed goals.
"We must engage a broad portfolio of tools and approaches to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and achieve sustainable agriculture," he added.
He stressed the need to strengthen food value chains to ensure a nutrition-sensitive approach to food production and diets to help reduce Non Communicational Diseases (NCDs) that have been on the increase in recent past.
The 6th National Science Week brought together regional and international delegates. The theme of the exhibition is Research, Science, Technology and Innovation to address Climate Change.
Deckelbaum noted that NCDs are likely to be the major killer in the next 20 years far above malaria, waterborne diseases and HIV/AIDS combined if not addressed in time.
"The world is currently facing the double burden of hunger and overweight that can only be addressed through science," he added.
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa Simon Carter called for Kenya to increase budgetary allocation for research.
"Research funding is one of the best investments for the citizens since the findings generated after research helps in improving people lifestyles," he said.
Carter emphasized the importance of mathematics and science adding that emphasis should be placed on the teaching of the subjects in schools.
Kenya's ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru said Nairobi is currently applying digital platforms in helping in the fight against climate change and conservation of the environment.
"We are putting emphasis on ICT in developing e-waste management systems, restoration of soil fertility and resorting to smart agriculture," he added.
He said that the government has also embarked on educating farmers to diversify food production to help reduce over-reliance on maize farming and consumers.
"We are putting science-based measures in place to help transform the country by finding lasting solution to problems affecting citizens," Mucheru said.
