ABSF aims to create an enabling environment in which Africa can participate and benefit from biotechnology in a responsible and sustainable manner. The association, through the dissemination of information, aims to enhance the understanding and awareness.
DRIVING FORCE
Biotechnology is a key Asset for Africa in the new millenium. Agricultural, medical and environmental biotechnology offers Africa formidable tools to address food insecurity, disease, environmental pollution and poverty. .
WHO WE ARE
The African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF) is a not-for-profit, non-political and non-sectarian association providing a platform for sharing, debating and understanding all issues pertaining to biotechnology in agriculture, health, industry and environment.
ABSF represents all stakeholders in biotechnology in Africa currently with over 80 individual members in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria, 8 small and medium sized enterprises involved in research, development, testing and commercialization of biotechnology applications as well as 4 national biotechnology forums in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and Ghana.
Through its membership, ABSF is the window and voice of millions of biotechnology stakeholders in Africa representing farmers, scientists, consumers, manufacturers, politicians and government bodies.
OUR MISSION
ABSF’s Mission is to create an innovative and enabling Biotechnology Environment in Africa through Education, Enhanced Understanding and Awareness creation on all aspects of Biotechnology, Biosafety and Intellectual Property Rights.
OVERALL OBJECTIVES
- To provide a forum for sharing and exchanging experiences and practices in biotechnology with a view of strengthening its application for increased food security, health improvement, poverty alleviation, industrialization and environmental conservation in Africa.
- To improve public understanding of biotechnology through provision of accurate and balanced information to consumers, media and policy makers to ensure that biotechnology is accurately represented at all levels of society.
- To explore innovative and appropriate biotechnology applications and facilitate their adoption and use in sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Africa.
- To create capacity for information generation, dissemination and wise use of biotechnology.
- To facilitate research, development, education and training on biotechnology as well as policy and infrastructure development for meeting Africa’s needs in biotechnology.
WHAT WE DO
- ABSF provides a forum that brings together all groups and individuals with a stake in biotechnology to debate and dialogue issues surrounding biotechnology.
- Our primary focus is Africa but because of the global character of biotechnology, we also represent Africa’s views and activities in worldwide fora.
- ABSF through its member groups fosters dialogue with and a steady flow of information about biotechnology to African policy makers, governments, scientists, farmers, consumers, manufacturers, mass media and institutions of learning. We are actively engaged in creating linkages and networking throughout Africa and facilitating outreach on biotechnology in the region.
WHAT DO WE OFFER
- Accurate and balanced information to decision makers, media, producers and consumers on national and international biotechnology and biosafety developments and application.
- Opportunities to participate in ABSF working groups and task forces activities
- Platform for interacting with governments and other stakeholders and voicing views on biotechnology
- Forum for linking and interacting on behalf of its members, with international biotechnology fora.
- Mechanisms of facilitating identification and development of new biotechnological products and services in Africa.
SOME OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
- Proactive communication mechanisms with stakeholder groups at all levels developed.
- Interactions with government officials, politicians, consumers, media and scientific communities.
- Wide media coverage and support from a cross-section of stakeholders.
- Secured wide recognition as a credible biotechnology Association for Africa
- Lobbied legislation and active implementation of the biosafety system in Kenya and enhancement of novel biotechnology products
- Initiated journalists and scientists training in biotechnology communication and reporting
- Organized workshops and seminars as well as held press conferences with local and international guest speakers
- Established international contacts and networking in Africa
WHY BIOTECHNOLOGY
- In agriculture, biotechnology offers higher yields and better ways of crop and livestock protection to the farmer. Genetically improved foods provide higher nutritional value, better taste and longer conservation, all to the benefit of the consumer.
- To fight hunger and malnutrition now rampant in Africa and, to feed the ever expanding population, biotechnology offers opportunities for safe, abundant and higher quality food supply though sustainable use of Africa’s resources.
- ABSF TARGET GROUPS
ABSF target groups include policy makers, farmers, extension service officers, NGOs, the media, scientists and academia, and consumers.
INFORMATION
For more information contact the African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum:
P. O. BOX 66069-00800, Nairobi, Kenya,
Tel: +254 20 4444558, Fax: +254 20 4448762,
Email:
absf@absfafrica.orgThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
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