The Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance has emerged the winner of the prestigious Africa Food Prize for 2023.
The Africa Food Prize has been awarded to PABRA in recognition of the alliance’s exceptional leadership in the development of numerous bean varieties that improve farm productivity and profitability, and meet increasing consumer demand.
The announcement was made in Dar-es-salaam by Africa Food Prize Chairperson, former Tanzania President, Jakaya Kikwete during the African Food System Forum 2023 summit.
It was stated that the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance, demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to improving nutrition and food security across the African continent by harnessing the potential of beans, a vital source of plant-based proteins and micronutrients including iron and zinc along with other essential nutrients.
“PABRA was recognized for their tireless efforts in breeding new varieties and making them accessible to farmers across Africa. Their research and development efforts have generated a multiple positive impact on the lives of countless individuals, particularly in communities facing food insecurity and malnutrition,” says the statement from AGRF.
Over 650 improved bean varieties of diverse favourable characteristics have been released through PABRA members.
These varieties are grown by over 37 million smallholder farmers in Africa and consumed by more than 300 million people in Africa significantly improving nutrition, health, and food security.
As a crop typically managed by women, PABRA beans enable more families to eat better and earn cash income.
Every year, the Africa Food Prize initiative calls for nomination of outstanding individuals or institutions that are leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa.
The USD 100,000 prize celebrates Africans who are taking control of Africa’s agriculture agenda. It puts a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans.
In accepting the award, Mr. Jean Claude Rubyogo, Global Bean Program Leader at the Alliance of Bioversity International expressed his gratitude and dedication to the cause.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the entire PABRA team.”
Rubyogo added that winning the 2023 Africa Food Prize is a significant and historic moment for PABRA which comes after celebrating 25 years of bean research and development last year and launching the bean movement – promoting beans as a super food.
PABRA empowers women throughout the bean value chain since they are the majority stakeholders in farming and trading and see this recognition as a win for women in agriculture and sustainable food systems.
About The Africa Food Prize
The Africa Food Prize is the preeminent annual award that recognizes outstanding individuals or institutions that are leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa.
The US $100,000 prize celebrates Africans who are taking control of Africa’s agriculture agenda. It puts a spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans.
About the Africa Food Systems Forum
Africa Food Systems Forum is the world’s premier forum on African agriculture and food systems, bringing together stakeholders to take practical action and share lessons that will move African food systems forward.
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