BIMAF: A MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PLATFORM
Creating a strategic framework
IITA and more than twenty partners have initiated the establishment of a Biorik Management Facility (BIMAF) under the authority of CORAF/WECARD, to be the first concrete action in the strategy of Centre International de Recherche pour une Agriculture Résiliente aux Changements Climatiques (CIRACC). Beyond its geographic scope BIMAF will facilitate the development of multi-country projects to fit the continental reach of CIRACC. To meet its priority goals BIMAF identifies new agricultural challenges and outlines necessary future actions. It also emphasizes the need for improved collaboration and coordination with existing strategies. Not only researchers, but also the civil society, including farming communities, non-government organizations, and public and private structures, should be involved to sustainably address challenges posed by biotic stresses and climate change on agricultural production.
Priority areas
- Horizon scanning and building Early Warning and Rapid Response Systems including Citizen Science Tools
- Developing climate smart biorisk management
- Harnessing high throughput technologies for food safety and health for mega-cities in West Africa under a changing climate context
- Mainstreaming biorisk management into national and regional development programs, plans, and policies.