Akin Adesina Receives Borlaug CAST Communication Award

Dr. Akin Adesina

The 2010 Borlaug CAST Communication Award recipient, Dr. Akin Adesina, was be the keynote speaker today at a special CAST (Council for Agricultural Science and Technology) breakfast. Known for his dynamic speaking skills and his passion for world agriculture, Dr. Adesina addressed the gathering about the need to impact public understanding of agriculture through communication.

For decades, Dr. Adesina has been advancing the cause of practical, science-based agricultural practices, especially in his home continent of Africa. He is a world-class scholar, and through his eloquent speeches and published papers, he has been working to keep agricultural issues at the forefront. He also provides leadership through such avenues as the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) where he promotes cooperation and action to help farmers. He has the ability to work with governments, the private sector, and smallholder farmers.

As a vice president of AGRA, Dr. Adesina helps set policy and advises former United Nations (U.N.) Secretary Kofi Annan, current Chairman of the Board of AGRA. Recently, Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the U.N., appointed Dr. Adesina as one of the 17 world leaders who will consolidate global efforts toward achieving the U.N. Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Dr. Adesina will emphasize the push to reduce world hunger.

The Borlaug CAST Communication Award is presented annually by CAST for outstanding achievement by a scientist, engineer, technologist, or other professional working in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors in contributing to the advancement of science in the public policy arena.