Exploring the Role of Potatoes in Achieving Global Food Security and Nutrition Goals
On April 29, 2024, World Potato Congress Inc. will host the webinar titled “International Day of Potato 2024 – Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope,” featuring presentations by Dr. André Devaux and Dr. Chikelu Mba. The webinar will commence at 9:00 am Eastern Standard Time (USA/Canada), followed by a presentation in Spanish at 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time (USA/Canada).
Presentation Overview
In December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly designated May 30 as the International Day of Potato (IDP), building upon the legacy of the International Year of Potato (2008). This designation underscores the critical role of the potato value chain in addressing hunger, malnutrition, and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. This year’s theme, “Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope,” highlights the extensive genetic diversity of potatoes and their untapped potential in achieving universal food security and nutrition.
The webinar will delve into the diversity, distribution, and production of potatoes worldwide, emphasizing their significance amidst current global challenges. Moreover, it will recognize the invaluable contributions of small-scale farmers, particularly in the Andean highlands, whose ancestral practices have preserved the rich diversity of the potato crop. Through the observance of the International Day of Potato, attention will be drawn to the various constraints within the potato value chain, with a call to action for sustainable development.
Webinar Presenters:
Dr. André Devaux
Dr. Devaux, an agronomist with a PhD in Agricultural Sciences, boasts over 35 years of experience in research for development. His expertise spans potato production systems, value chain development, food security, innovation systems, and public-private partnerships. With extensive experience in Latin America, East Africa, and Asia, Dr. Devaux has been instrumental in advancing innovation approaches for food and nutrition security, leveraging native potato biodiversity.
Dr. Chikelu Mba
Dr. Mba serves as the Deputy Director of the Plant Production and Protection Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). With a background in plant breeding and genetics, Dr. Mba provides strategic leadership for global interventions aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through resilient crop production systems. His vast experience includes roles at FAO, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, where he focused on crop improvement and genetic resources.
This webinar offers a unique opportunity for farmers, agronomists, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders across the potato value chain to gain insights into harnessing potato diversity for sustainable development.
