[cid:image001.png@01DA1958.6D139FB0]<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/events/detail/sixth-webinar-of-the-iym-global-webinar-series---enhancing-the-collaboration-on-fonio-for-sustainable-agriculture-and-improved-local-livelihoods/en> S A V E T H E D A T E 29 November 2023 | 13:00-14:30 CET International Year of Millets Global Webinar Series 6th Webinar: “Fonio: enhancing collaboration for sustainable agriculture and improved livelihoods’’ REGISTER HERE<https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LEotJYCWRuGGBIZnnXDJww#/registration> Interpretation will be provided in English, French and Arabic The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th Session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023)<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en>. As part of the IYM2023 celebration, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is organizing the “IYM Global Webinar Series” to highlight the various environmental, social and economic benefits of millets, their rich heritage and vast potential. Fonio is one of the oldest crops in Africa, and among the world’s fastest maturing cereal (60-70 days). In many Western African countries, fonio plays an important role in household food security and income generation and holds a vital place in cultural identity. Fonio is valued for its high nutrition, and ability to grow in areas of drought and high temperatures. IYM2023 provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote fonio as a globally important crop for the future, and bring together researchers and practitioners from different countries and disciplines to share their work and join forces to promote its use for sustainable agriculture and improving local livelihoods. Join this webinar<https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/events/detail/sixth-webinar-of-the-iym-global-webinar-series---enhancing-the-collaboration-on-fonio-for-sustainable-agriculture-and-improved-local-livelihoods/en> to learn more about the genetics, taxonomic diversity and distribution of fonio, seed science and conservation, sustainable cultivation practices, potential uses and nutritional values, and opportunities to generate incomes. Agenda Time Agenda item and presenter 13:00 – 13:05 Opening remarks, Mr Paolo Ceci, Technical Cooperation Programme in Saudi Arabia, FAO 13:05 – 14:15 Presentations * Regional partnership to promote conservation and sustainable use of fonio, Ms Claire Billot, CIRAD, and Ms Adeline Barnaud, IRD, France * Genomics to improve fonio varieties, Mr Simon Krattinger, KAUST, Saudi Arabia * Fonio diversity for resilient landscapes, Mr George Burton, Imperial College London / RBG Kew, UK * Nutritional and food technology aspects of fonio, Ms Nadia M.L. Fanou-Fogny, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin * Fonio-fueled sustainable livelihood enhancement, Mr Michel Ghanem, Forgotten Crops Society, France * Fonio as a driving force for empowering women, Ms Fatmata Binta, Fulani Kitchen Foundation, Ghana * New market opportunities for fonio, Mr Pierre Thiam, Yolélé & Teranga, United States of America 14:15 – 14:25 Moderated discussion 14:25 – 14:30 Closing remarks, Ms Sarada Krishnan, Crop Trust, Germany Moderated by Ms Tiziana Ulian, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew (United Kingdom)/ University of Turin (Italy) For more information, please contact: International-Year-Millets@fao.org<mailto:International-Year-Millets@fao.org>
