Introduction

The world's population is expected to increase by more than 20% by 2030. Food security is becoming an important problem, and agriculture will need to substantially improve its productivity if it is to rise to the challenge of feeding the world.

Producing enough food for the increasing global population must be done in the face of changing consumption patterns, the impacts of climate change and the growing scarcity of water and land. Crop production methods must also be sustainable, preserving natural resources and avoiding damage to the environment, whilst supporting the livelihoods of farmers and rural populations.

The World Bank estimates that between 2000 and 2030 the global production of cereals and meat will need to increase by 50% and 80%, respectively, in order to meet increasing demands, including those of developing nations. Agricultural efficiency can be influenced in many ways, including improved pest control, a better understanding of the science of plant growth, improved water management and prediction and adaptation to climate change.

While global food production has grown by 145% over the past 40 years, food production in Africa has fallen by 10% since 1960, and this has been attributed to low investment. 

The aim of this PACN Congress is bring leading scientists together to communicate and discuss current research and ideas in the agricultural sciences, and to learn from one another.

Themes

Topics at the congress will include:

• Crop Protection
• Plant Nutrition
• Soil and Ecosystems
• Innovation in Agricultural Practice
• Adaptation to Climate Change          

Scientific Committee

Professor Sam Osafo Acquaah, Ghana Chemical Society, Ghana
Professor Johannes Awudza, KNUST, Ghana
Professor Yonas Chebude, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Dr John Clough, Syngenta, UK
Dr Simon Cook, Consultant, Food and Water Programmes, Colombia
Professor James Darkwa, Johannesburg University, South Africa
Dr Ellen Friel, RSC, UK
Dr Tony Hooper, Rothamsted Research, UK
Mr Harpal Minhas, RSC Publishing, UK
Mr Steve Ntifo, TBN Management Ltd, UK
Dr Alejandra Palermo, RSC, UK
Professor Shem Wandiga, Nairobi University, Kenya

Local Organising Committee

Professor Sam Osafo Acquaah, Ghana Chemical Society, Ghana
Professor Amonoo-Neizer, Former Vice-Chancellor at KNUST, Ghana
Dr Ruby Asmah, CSIR Water Research
Professor Johannes Awudza, KNUST, Ghana
Dr Mary Boadu, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
Dr Rose Boatin, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
Mr Nana Sarfo Derkyi, Ghana Chemical Society, Ghana
Professor Victor P.Y. Gadzekpo, Central University College, Ghana
Professor V. K Nartey, University of Ghana, Ghana

Post-Congress Workshop on Scientific Writing Skills: 24 - 25 November

This two-day intensive workshop organised in collaboration with INASP will train delegates in some of the key elements of writing a scientific paper, preparing poster presentations and writing a grant proposal. Experienced trainers and editors will lead presentation-based sessions in the mornings followed by small group discussion and revision of participants' papers in the afternoons. At the end of the two days those involved in the workshop will have developed the skills and confidence necessary for publishing their work in a journal or for presentation at a conference. Delegates for this workshop will be selected from the successful abstracts accepted for the congress.