AFRICA – The Pan Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) in Kenya and the Africa Rice Center in Cote d’ivoire have emerged as the winners of the 2019 Al Sumait Prize for Africa Development award in the field of food security.
The award recognizes best studies, scientific projects, applied research, and innovative initiatives that have a significant impact and lasting influence on advancing progress to economic and social development in Africa.
The Board of Trustees of the Al Sumait Prize said that it jointly awarded the two institutions with the US$1 million prize following consideration of the jury and selection committees’ report which found them worthy of the award in regards to their work which have made significant advances in the field of food security.
Pan Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) was awarded on merits of serving a dynamic network of scientists and practitioners, specializing in improving the productivity, processing, and the value chain of beans throughout Africa.
The Alliance works along the continuum of innovative research to effective adoption and sustainable management of small farmers enterprises.
PABRA has increased the integration of the important legume component in farming systems, which is important to improve soil fertility, enhance nutritional quality, and serve as a resilient driver in dryland and drought prone environments.
The Africa Rice Center based in Cote d’ivoire was bestowed the award for its important role in enhancing food security in Africa, including the production of new rice varieties vitamin A enriched-rice with high yielding and climate-resilient.
In addition, the institution has led the pan-African rice research organization committed to improving livelihoods in Africa through strong science and effective partnerships devoted to improving the rice economy in Africa.
The Center is also part of a global research partnership for a food-secure future. Through its applied research and education programs, the Center is building the next generation of professionals in rice and food research in Africa.
The Al-Sumait prize, an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait is awarded annually with a focus in the field of food security, health and education.
Administered by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and a Board of Trustees, the award is in honour to the work and accomplishments of Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, a Kuwaiti physician who spent his lifetime helping the poor in Africa in the field of health and education.
