Conference on climate change and conflicts in drylands kicks-off in BUK

The African Centre of Excellence in Dryland Agriculture at Bayero University, Kano Tuesday commenced its The 3rd Biennial International Conference of Dryland, 2018 under the theme: “Resource constraints, conflicts and changing climate in the Drylands” with delegates from across the globe attending the event.

The biennial international conference on dryland is one of the programs of the CDA that provides a platform for dissemination of research findings, networking and sharing of experience between scientists, practitioners and relevant stakeholders.

The director of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Professor Jibrin Jibrin, in his welcome address, said knowledge sharing was the basis for the conference, which is being organized in collaboration with the International Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

“The theme is suitable because attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the drylands requires concerted effort towards addressing myriads of problems related to climate change, high populations and unsustainable land use practices,” said Professor Jibrin.

Speaking at the event, deputy governor of Kano state, Nasiru Gawuna who is also the commissioner for agriculture in the state said: “I believe the choice of Kano to host this important conference is not a coincidence but a deliberate effort as the state is known for its agricultural heritage.”

BUK’s vice chancellor, Prof,Muhammad  Yahuza Bello, in his welcome address, said the CDA came about as part of the “resolve and commitment to promoting sustainability and resilience of drylands in Africa”.

“CDA draws students and researchers from several African countries. We have created a conducive climate for them through various forms of support mechanisms that encourage outcome based and high impact research output,” said Bello.