NIGERIA - FUNDING REQUEST FOR FY09 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 000106 SIPDIS EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT/ - SZYMANSKI AND BOBO DOC FOR 3317/ITA/OA/KBURRESS AND 3130/USFC/OIO/ANESA/DHARRIS USDA/FAS/OTP FOR MCKENZIE USAID/AFR FOR ATWOOD DEPARTMENT FOR T MARC HUMPHREY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO BEXP EAID NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA - FUNDING REQUEST FOR FY09 BIOTECHNOLOGY OUTREACH REF: STATE 127423 ¶1. Embassy Abuja is pleased to submit the following project proposal for consideration of funding under the Department's 2009 biotechnology outreach program. . Background -------------- . ¶2. Nigeria is a natural leader in the African continent due to its size, population, and economic potential. It is endowed with vast natural resources and possesses immense agricultural potential. However, this potential has not been fully realized due to years of military dictatorship, endemic corruption, and emphases on the gas and oil industry to the determent of the agricultural sector. Approximately 70% of the population is engaged in agricultural production at a subsistence level. Targeted reforms, investment, and the use of advanced methods and techniques in the agricultural sector are needed to lift a significant proportion of the population out of poverty and move the country towards broad-based economic development. Positive developments in Nigeria will also have transformational effect on the rest of Africa. ¶3. Since coming to power in 2007, the Yar'Adua Administration has introduced a seven-point reform agenda, which comprises achieving food security by boosting agricultural yield and production through utilization of research and technology, among other inputs. One of the Mission's Strategic Plan (MSP) is to increase agricultural output and trade by addressing core agricultural sector constraints of low productivity, limited access to credit, production of low value primary products, and lack of market opportunities. Employing biotechnology and other needed reforms is essential for Nigeria to achieve food security and increase trade. Under its policy reform project, USAID currently provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Environment on drafting, passage and implementation of a comprehensive bio-safety law. The Project also sponsors a series of public campaigns and targeted sensitization initiatives designed to inform all stakeholders about the provisions of the draft law and the benefits of modern biotechnology. ¶4. The necessary laws have not yet been enacted, partly because of the 2007 change in administration, as well as a lack of accurate information about the benefits and risks of biotechnology by members of the government, the national assembly, academia, farmers, and the media. However, in December 2008, there was a significant movement forward when the draft bill was formally introduced into the National Assembly by the Chairman of the House Agricultural Committee. As the bill moves through the legislative process, Nigerian stakeholders need to be informed about the latest biotechnology developments, and the necessity of having a biotechnology strategy that includes an adequate legal and regulatory scheme supportive of responsible growth in the sector. ¶5. Post proposes a speaker program on biosafety using a U.S. and Nigerian expert to build support for the passage of the draft Nigerian Biosafety Bill among key Nigerian constituents. The U.S. speaker will discuss biotechnology from a legal perspective, benefits to farmers and consumers, environmental benefits, and current international trends. The Nigerian speaker will address the benefits of biotechnology and its role in helping Nigeria achieve food security. S/he will also discuss current research in Nigeria related to biotechnology. The speakers will address key constituents, including legislators, government experts, the scientific community, farmers and agribusinesses, civil society, and members of the media in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan. This activity complements and supports upcoming events such as media roundtables and information retreats for House and Senate agriculture committee members planned under the existing USAID Project. ¶6. Project Description: -------------- -- Cost of proposed program: $20,000 -- Target Audience: Nigerian legislators, government officials, academia, agribusinesses, farmers associations, and the media. -- Specific ag-biotech issues to be addressed: Biotechnology from a legal perspective, benefits to farmers and consumers, and current international trends. -- Impact of project on USG objectives: Will advance USG objective ABUJA 00000106 002 OF 002 of promoting broad-based economic development through increased agricultural production. Adoption of a comprehensive biosafety regime will also facilitate market access to U.S. agribusinesses in Nigeria and will encourage protection of intellectual property rights. -- Proposed length of time: Two week -- Program support needed: IIP's speaker program -- Name of responsible officer and contact: Feleke Assefa, Abuja Environment, Science, Technology, and Health Officer: Assefaft@State.gov. ¶7. Mission looks forward to working with Washington in bringing this project to fruition. ¶8. This cable was coordinated with Consulate Lagos. PIASCIK