Dr. SAITO Kazuki, Principal Scientist at Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), was selected as the winner of the 21st Century Hope Prize of the 7th Niigata International Food Award. The winners were announced on July 28, 2022 at a press conference held at Niigata City Hall. Dr. Saito is also pursuing research at JIRCAS as an affiliated researcher since 2017.
The Niigata International Food Award honors individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the welfare, health, and peace of humankind by enhancing the quality and quantity of food in the world and creatively developing food culture and the food industry. The "21st Century Hope Prize" is given to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions in joint research, development, experiments in practical application, and activities that are expected to develop in the future, with the aim of realizing the potential and feasibility of future contributions to society.
Dr. Saito has made significant contributions to rice breeding projects in Africa by discovering new breeding materials, developing selection methods, and conducting other research to improve food self-sufficiency in Africa. He was also recognized for his significant achievements in improving and consolidating rice farming systems for small-scale farmers and improving farmers' livelihoods and nutrition.
The award ceremony will be held in Niigata City in November 2022.
The Niigata International Food Award laureates from JIRCAS include Dr. IWANAGA Masaharu (former President of JIRCAS) winner of the 4th Niigata International Food Award Grand Prix (2016); Dr. Marcy Nicole WILDER (Project Leader, Fisheries Division) winner of the 4th Niigata International Food Award Sano Touzaburo Special Prize (2016); and Dr. MAENO Kotaro (Senior Researcher, Crop, Livestock and Production Environment Division) who received the 5th Niigata International Food Award 21st Century Hope Prize (2018).
- The winners of the 7th Niigata International Food Award are selected !
http://www.niigata-award.jp/en/contents/news/220728/index.html - About the Niigata International Food Award
http://www.niigata-award.jp/en/contents/about/index.html
Overview of AfricaRice
AfricaRice was established in 1970 as West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA) to improve rice productivity and quality in West Africa. As of 2022, there are 28 member countries. The headquarters is located in Cote d'Ivoire, with branch offices in Senegal, Nigeria, Madagascar, Liberia, and Uganda.