Bill Aims to Involve HBCUs in Africa Program
WASHINGTON — New legislation introduced in Congress may give historically Black colleges a new avenue for partnerships: Africa's farmers.
A bill from Rep. Eva Clayton, D-N.C., would create an exchange program for African American farmers and American experts to trade information about effective agricultural methods. HBCUs would be among the main targets to receive grants under the program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"It is vitally important that we assist in integrating Africa into the global economy," says Clayton, who introduced the bill, the Farmers for Africa Act, with 21 co-sponsors. U.S. partnerships could focus on modern farming techniques, use of state-of-the-art equipment, development of agribusiness companies and improvements in crop yields.
About 215 million Africans are undernourished, she says, and "our farmers have the tools and skills to help."
Long-term goals are to involve about 200 American farmers in the partnership by 2005. The bill, H.R. 4378, would authorize $3 million a year in grants. The bill was referred to the House Agriculture and International Relations committees. For more information, contact Clayton's office at (202) 225-3101.
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