Eric Danquah urges African governments to fund plant breeding programs

Professor Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, the founding director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI), has called on African governments to recognize plant breeding as a strategic economic investment rather than a mere budgetary expense. Speaking following his recent participation in the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue and a visit to the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan, Professor Danquah emphasized that agricultural research is fundamental to national development and food security.

Drawing on global success stories, Professor Danquah highlighted the impressive economic returns seen in Western Canada. The CDC in Saskatchewan has reported a staggering $11 return for every $1 invested into its programs since 1971. This sustained investment has not only boosted the region's GDP but has also played a vital role in job creation and the stabilization of the agricultural sector. He argued that such models demonstrate how targeted scientific funding can transform a nation's economic landscape.

The professor stressed that Africa must prioritize its own scientific capacity to address unique continental challenges. He specifically advocated for a joint financing framework to provide core funding for institutions like WACCI. While many programs have historically relied on project-based grants, Professor Danquah insisted that consistent government support is essential for training the next generation of plant breeders and developing crop varieties that can withstand changing environmental conditions.

In his concluding remarks, Professor Danquah warned that without a commitment to core funding, research institutions will struggle to sustain long-term programs. He urged African leaders to move beyond short-term fixes and invest heavily in the scientific infrastructure required to achieve true food sovereignty. By securing the future of agricultural research today, he noted, African nations can ensure a more resilient and prosperous economy for the decades to come.