Improvement of food value chain in the spotlight

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This event aims to bring together role players in the international food value chain and academics to share and discuss how to improve the efficiency of the food value chain, to learn about the latest technology, and how to develop the talent factor for bringing innovation to the value chain.

"2014 is a landmark year, as we celebrate 25 years as an international organisation that places the talent of people at the centre of our work," says Thad Simons, board president of IFAMA.

"Hosting our annual stakeholder event in Africa is very fitting for this important, milestone occasion. Africa is a region of limitless opportunity, where agribusiness has the potential to be the engine that drives dynamic, unprecedented economic growth and development. The path to increased prosperity and quality of life in Africa and everywhere in the world I see through the talent of people."

Themed People Feed the World, this conference will be framed by three conversations:

• Africa's Age of Opportunity - Agriculture at the centre of a $1 trillion economy in sub-Saharan Africa.
  
• The Talent Factor - Evolution of food and agribusiness value chains.
  
• A Noble Ambition - Engaging talent in the dynamic, purpose-driven industry of agribusiness.

Delegates will gain insight on topics presented by internationally acclaimed speakers and panelists. Facilitated breakaway sessions for further discussion are scheduled and excellent networking opportunities are provided for during the three day conference.

Themes of sessions

Day one of the conference will open with keynote speakers followed by sessions on the following themes: Rise of the African Consumer Class; Talent and Workforce: Producing the new generation of food system professionals; Bending the curve in Africa's nutrition transition: Opportunities, actions and partnerships for mitigating looming public health risks; David versus Goliath: The revolution in Africa's farm structures.

Day two of the conference commences with topics, such as: Putting Science to work; 1,000 days to change the future; World's top 100 innovations for the next century; Enabling efficient and inclusive agricultural food systems in Africa; and The talent factor in emerging markets.

On day three delegates will gain insight on topics such as: Noble Ambition: Feeding the world; 40 Chances to change the world; Women in Agriculture; Safe food for the world; Enabling small farmers to meet modern retail demand; and Delivering talent for the future: Education and training at the crossroads.