Florence Wambugu

Florence Muringi Wambugu is a Kenyan plant pathologist who works on and advocates for genetic engineering.

Education and Career
Wambugu received her B.S. in Botany from the University of Nairobi, Kenya in 1978. She continued to complete a M.S. in Pathology at North Dakota State University in 1984, and a PhD in Virology and Biotechnology at the University of Bath, England in 1991. Her thesis was on "Sweet potato virus disease control studies." While completing her graduate education, she worked as a Senior Research Officer (Pathologist) and Co-ordinator of Plant Biotechnology Research at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) from 1978 until 1991. Her expertise during this time was tissue culture and disease control.

In December 1991, Wambugu went to Monsanto in St. Louis, MO to work as a post-doctoral research associate until June 1994. There, she worked on the development of a genetically engineered sweet potato and served as a public relations tool for Monsanto, helping portray the company as a responsible corporate citizen that wished to use its technology to feed the hungry in Africa. In June 1994, she returned to Kenya as the Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) African Region Office (AfriCenter) in Nairobi. She continued there until December 2001.

In 2002, Wambugu left ISAAA to found and serve as CEO of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International.

Service, Honors, and Awards
Wambugu has received the following awards:
 * 1981: Cash Award for KARI, for successful establishment of a tissue culture laboratory in support of root and tuber crops germplasm improvement, introductions and exchange, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
 * 1989: Crop Science Award for Outstanding scientist of the year with a cash award, for research contributions selected by participants during 1st KARI Annual Scientific Conferences, KARI
 * 1989: Regional Research Award/Grant ($10,000) for advancements of sweet potato research in East Africa, International Potato Center (CIP)
 * 1990: Farmers Support Award for successful establishment of a rapid micropropagation laboratory for pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum), to help pyrethrum farmers increase productivity in Kenya, Pyrethrum Board of Kenya] (marketing and production board)
 * 1991: Awarded Recognition and awarded an exemplary Ph.D. candidate for outstanding dissertation contributions on sweet potato virus diseases research work done in Kenya, Virology Division of Horticultural Research International in England
 * 1992 and 1993: New Products Division Annual Incentive Plan Award for Outstanding Performance, Monsanto Company
 * 2000: GDN First Medal Award with a cash award of US$ 10,000 in Global Development Network Award Competition in science and Technology section, a World Bank initiative, Tokyo Japan.
 * 2002: Noble Prize, United Cultural Convention
 * 2002: Lifetime Achievement Award, International Biographical Center (IBC)
 * 2004: Woman of the year Award in recognition of contribution to science and its application to combat hunger and poverty in Africa, EVE Magazine, Nairobi Kenya.
 * 2004: Award given to Africa Harvest for consistent support to agricultural development, South African government.
 * 2005: Planet Africa Award on Science and Technology in Toronto Canada
 * 2008: Yara Award for outstanding contribution to development of rural agriculture and entrepreneurship in Africa.
 * 2009: Honorary Doctor of Sciences (D. Sc) degree in recognition to pioneering work in founding Africa Harvest, improving food security, economic well being and sustainable rural development in Africa, University of Bath.

Africa Harvest (under the leadership of Wambugu) was also awarded US$ 18.6 million from a global competitive grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Health Challenge for Health and Nutrition.

Board Memberships and Professional Memberships
Wambugu serves on (or has served on) the following boards:
 * Board Member of the Science Board of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenge in Global Health
 * Council Member of the Japan Science and Technology in Society Forum (STS Forum)
 * Steering Committee Member of the European Action on Global Life Sciences (EAGLES)
 * Executive Board member of the International Genetic Federation (IGF) of Australia
 * Former Board Member: United Nations Millennium Development Goals Hunger Task Force
 * Former Executive Committee member of Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
 * Former Board Member: DuPont/Pioneer Company Biotech Advisory Panel USA
 * Former Board Member: International Plant Genetics Research Institute (IPGRI) Board of Trustees.
 * Former Vice Chair: African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF)

She is also a member of the following professional societies:
 * American Phytopatholgical Society, USA
 * Tissue Culture Association
 * International Plant Cell and Tissue Culture Association
 * African Potato Association, Kenya
 * International Women in Development
 * Kenya Phytopathological Society
 * African Biotechnology Network
 * Worldwide News: A special Newsletter on Women, Environment and Development.
 * Biotechnology Global Advisory Council
 * New York Academy of Science
 * African Women Scientists and Engineers
 * Senior Fellow, Ashoka Fellowship, a global association of leading social entrepreneurs
 * Institute of Directors (Kenya)

Publications
Wambugu's publications include:

Books:
 * Modifying Africa; How Biotechnology can benefit the poor and hungry, a case study from Kenya.

2003:
 * Wambugu, F.M., May 27 to 31 2003, “In the wake of the double Helix, form the Green Revolution to the Gene Revolution’, proceedings of an international congress, University of Bologna, Italy: Corresponding author, Food, Africa’s most pressing problem and why agribiotech is the catalytic solution required.

2000:
 * Wambugu F.M., May 27th 2000, Publication: New Scientist Magazine, London, UK - Opinion Interview: Feeding Africa

1999:
 * Wambugu F.M., July 1999, Publication: Nature Journal 400, 15-16 July 1999. Title: Why Africa needs agricultural biotech.
 * Wambugu F.M., July 22, 1999, Publication: Publication in Daily Nation Newspapers, Kenya. Title: Biotechnology for increased food security.
 * Wambugu F.M., July 19-25, 1999, Publication: Publication in The East African Newspapers. Title: Africa Needs Genetically Modified Crops-Now!.
 * Wambugu F.M., November 1999, Publication: World Paper: Africa Needs Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Security and Poverty Alleviation.

1997:
 * Wambugu, F.M., February 1997, 3rd AIDA Forum “Agriculture between Environmental Concerns and Growing Food Needs”: Potential Impact of Biotechnology in Sustainable Agricultural Development in Africa, Bonn, Germany.

1996:
 * Wambugu, F.M., May 1996, SIRDC-BRI, Kariba Zimbabwe, Applications of Biotechnology by the Multinational Corporations and Lessons for the Developing World.
 * Wambugu, F.M., May 1996, SEI - Stockholm Sweden, The ISAAA Biosafety Initiative.
 * Wambugu, F.M., September 1996, National Council of Science and Technology in Kenya Institutional Linkages and International Co-operation for Implementation of Biosafety for Biotechnology Transfer and Application in Kenya: ISAAA’s Perspective.

1995:
 * Wambugu, F.M., E. Zandvoort and K.V. Raman 1995 - Facilitating Biotechnology and Biosafety in Africa. Special Issue: African Crop Science Journal, Vol. 3 No. 3, September 1995.
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1995 - Role of ISAAA in implementation of biotechnology, challenges and opportunities for ISAAA AfriCenter. African Crop Science Journal, Vol. 3 No. 3, September 1995.
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1995 - Control of African Sweet Potato Virus diseases through biotechnology and technology transfer proceedings of ISNAR-IBS Seminar in Johannesburg South Africa.
 * Wambugu, F.M. and Louk Box 1995 - Cassava Biotechnology Network Mid-term Review Report. DGIS-Hague, Netherlands.

1994:
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1994 - African Root Crop Improvement and Biotechnology Transfer Program. Report document for three year (1992-94).  Review; Plant Science Monsanto Company, St. Louis, USA.

1993:
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1993 - Monsanto/USAID/KARI - Annual Report. Control of African Sweet Potato Virus Disease through biotechnology and technology transfer.

1992:
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1992 - Monsanto/USAID/KARI - Annual Report. Control of African Sweet Potato Virus Disease through biotechnology and technology transfer.
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1992 - Biotechnology for Tropical Africa: Potentials and Limiting Constraints. In: Proceedings of International Symposium on Plant Virology for the Developing Tropics organized by the Association of Aphid Biologists and British Society for Plant Pathology (AAB/BSPP), University of York, U.K.

1991:
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1991 - Constraints on the introduction of new techniques for resource-poor farmers. In: Proceedings of a Seminar on Crop Protection for Resource-Poor Farmers, Isle of Thorns Conference Center, East Sussex, U.K.

1990:
 * Wambugu, F.M. and G.G. Henshaw 1990 - Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) plants regeneration from leaf callus. In: Proceeding VII International Association of plant tissue and cell culture congress.  AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands.
 * Wambugu, F.M., Brunt, A.A. and Fernadez-Northcote, E.M. 1990 - Viruses and virus diseases of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in Kenya and Uganda. In: Proceedings of African Potato Association 2nd Triennial Conference and Workshop.  REDUIT, Mauritius.

1989:
 * Wambugu F.M. 1989 - In vitro somatic embryogenesis from bean callus. East African Agricultural and Forest Journal, 54 (3):  153-156.
 * Wambugu, F.M. and Neumann, K.H.; Abu-Zeid 1989 - Feasibility study on possible Applications of plant Biotechnological Research in Kenya.  Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), NAIROBI, Kenya.
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1989 - Current status of Biotechnology Application in plant improvement. In: Proceedings of Plant Biotechnology workshop in present and future Biotechnolgy Resarch and applications for Kenya, organized by KARI, NAIROBI, Kenya.
 * Wambugu, F.M. and Thomas-Compton, M. 1989 - Workshop summary on Plant Biotechnology. In: Proceedings of workshop on present and future Biotechnology Research and applications for Kenya, organized by KARI, NAIROBI, Kenya.
 * Wambugu, F.M. and Thomas-Compton, M. 1989 - The Role of Biotechnology in crop improvement and Agricultural Development in Kenya. In: Proceedings of 1st Annual Scientific Conference organized by Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), NAIROBI, Kenya.

1986:
 * Wambugu F.M. and Secor, G.A. 1986 - A revised medium for rapid callus proliferation and increased shoot regeneration of protoplast - derived callus of potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) cv Russet Burbank in vitro. East African Agricultural and Forest Journal. 51(4):  191-198.
 * Wambugu, F.M. 1986 - In Vitro antiviral chemotherapy as control for virus diseases in Africa. In:  Proceedings of International Symposium on “Viral Diseases in Africa” affecting plants, animals and man organized by Organization of African Unity OAU/STRC,Nairobi, Kenya.

1985:
 * Wambugu, F.M., and Secor, G.A. 1985 - Eradication of potato virus Y and S from potato by chemotherapy of cultured axillary bud tips. American potato journal, Vol.62:  pp.667-672.

1984:
 * Wambugu, F.M. Tissue culture studies on bean callus, potato leaf protoplast callas, and potato antiviral chemotherapy using Virazole. M.Sc Thesis, Graduate Faculty, North Dakota State University, FARGO ND 58105, U.S.A.

1981:
 * Wambugu, F.M. and Rangan, T.S 1981 - In vitro Clonal Multiplication of Pyrethrum) (Chrysanthemum cinerariafolium Vic) by Micropropagation.  Plant Science Letters, Vol. 22 (1981), 219-226.

Presentations
Wambugu has participated in conferences and presented around the world, including:

2010:
 * March 8, 2010 Participation: Commonwealth Day “Science Technology and Society” officiated by her Majesty The Queen of England, in her capacity as Head of the Commonwealth, together with the Duke of Edinburgh, held at Marlborough House UK
 * April 8-9, 2010 Presentation: Conference on Science against Poverty held in Madrid, Spain
 * September 1-4, 2010 Presentation: African Green Revolution Forum 2010: Investing In African Agriculture, held in Accra, Ghana
 * November 1-4, 2010 Participation: CropLife PBSC Meetings to be held at the Hamilton Crowne Plaza in Washington, D. C.

2009:
 * May 8-11, 2009 participation: GC9 meeting, held in Beijing China
 * June 10-12, 2009 Presentation: World Economic Forum meeting held in Cape Town South Africa
 * November 17-19, 2009 Presentation: SDC’s Food Security Programme Workshop held in Pretoria South Africa
 * October 26-30, 2009 Presentation: Initiatives in Investing in the “Green Economy” meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago
 * March 1997, Montgomery Hotel, Brussels, Belgium, World Bank Meeting. Presentation: “Potential Impact of Biotechnology for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Africa”.

2008:
 * April 7th–8th 2008, Presentation: 2-Day Round Table Meeting on the introduction of Genetically Modified Crops held in Abuja Nigeria,
 * April 15th–18th 2008, Presentation: GC-9 meeting in Kampala, Uganda
 * June 14th–19th 2008, Presentation: Biotechnology International Organization (BIO) 2008 in San Diego California, USA.
 * July 26-30, 2008, Presentation: The American Phytopathological Society Centennial meeting held in Minneapolis Minnesota, USA
 * August 27–29, 2008, Participation: African Green Revolution Conference held in Oslo, Norway and Yara Prize Award for Dr. Florence Wambugu
 * September 22-26, 2008 Presentation: The 1st ever All Africa Congress on Biotechnology, Nairobi, Kenya
 * October 26 - 29, 2008 Presentation: AusBiotech conference in Melbourne Australia

2007:
 * March 25th – 30th 2007, Participation: Rockefeller Foundation Third General Meeting for Collaborators of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Program on Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed Systems for Africa Crops held in Maputo Mozambique.
 * April 2nd – 5th 2007, Participation: GC-9 planning meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya
 * May 20th 2007: Commencement Speaker for the Graduation Ceremony for the College of Natural Resources at the University of California Berkeley
 * September 22nd-25th 2007, Participation: Plenary session speaker, at the ABIC 2007 Conference held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

2006:
 * April 11, 2006, Presentation: USAID Round Table Meeting at the Grand Regency Hotel, Nairobi
 * April 26-29, 2006, Presentation: BioVison Alexandria Meeting in Egypt
 * June 6, 2006, Presentation: USAID Scientists and Media Workshop, Nairobi Kenya
 * June 9-10, 2006, Presentation: Africa Fertilizer Summit Conference, Abuja Nigeria
 * July 3-6, 2006, Presentation: Regional Conference on Women in Science for Food and Nutrition Security – Entebbe Uganda
 * August 15-18, 2006, Presentation: Africa Nutrition Epidemiology Conference (ANEC), Accra, Ghana.
 * October 4-6, 2006, Presentation: Annual Meeting of GCCH Grantees of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Washington DC
 * October 18, 2006, Presentation: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAF) Workshop on “Science-Based Improvements of Rural/Subsistence Agriculture” held in Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa.

2005:
 * January 13-14, 2005, Participation: SSA CP Program Implementation Meeting at FARA Secretariat Conference Room, Accra Ghana
 * January 24-27, 2005, Participation: The Rockefeller Foundation Second General Meeting: Biotechnology, Breeding and Seed systems at Safari Park Hotel Nairobi.
 * February 24-26, 2005, Participation: DAKAR AGRICOLE Meeting in Dakar Senegal
 * October 10-13, 2005, Participation: World Food Prize, Des Moines Iowa USA
 * October 15, 2005, Participation: Planet Earth Award in Toronto Canada
 * October 18, 2005, Presentation: Bio2Biz SA 2005 conference in Johannesburg South Africa

2004:
 * January 20-25, 2004, Participation & Presentation: World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos Switzerland.
 * March 16, 2004, Presentation: 2nd Regional Microbiology Conference held in Nairobi Kenya at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies.
 * April 1-3, 2004, Presentation: IFPRI 2020 Africa Conference on "Assuring Food and Nutrition Security in Africa by 2020," held in Kampala Uganda.
 * May 24-28 2004, Presentation: Africa Trade Ministers Conference in Intercontinental Hotel Kigali Rwanda.
 * June 13-15, 2004, Presentation: North American Biotechnology Conference held in Guelp Ontario, Canada.
 * July 19-22, 2004, Participation: Kenya teachers Biotechnology Workshop held at the Lukenya Academy Machakos, Kenya.
 * August 16, 2004, Presentation: Leadership workshop for African Women in Science and Engineering regional workshop held at Safari Park Hotel Nairobi Kenya
 * September 7-13, 2004, Presentation: Ronald H. Brown African series meeting in Washington DC USA
 * September 12-15, 2004, Presentation: ABIC 2004 held in Cologne Germany.
 * September 19–25, 2004 Participation: Hunger Task Force Meeting Bellagio Conference Center, Italy
 * September 28, 2004, Participation: African Celebrations of the International year of Rice in Accra Ghana.

2003:
 * January 30-31, 2003, Presentation: Towards Sustainable Agriculture Forum Conference held in Brussels Belgium.
 * February 27-28, 2003, Presentation: CropLife Biotech Outreach Conference held at the Sheraton Hotel Brussels Belgium.
 * March 4-13, 2003, Participation: UN MDG Hunger Task Force Study Tour in Kenya and Malawi.
 * April 4-6, 2003, Presentation: Conference on Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Traditional Knowledge Protection held at the Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri USA.
 * April 14, 2003, Presentation: National Biosafety Workshop on Implementation of the National Biosafety framework in Kenya, UNEP-GEF workshop held at the Safari Park Hotel Nairobi Kenya.
 * April 15, 2003, Presentation: Tree Biotechnology project extension service providers workshop “Community Participatory in Agri-biotechnologies and downstream adoption approaches –Case study” held at the KEFRI Headquarters Muguga Nairobi, Kenya
 * April 16th, 2003, Presentation: Rockefeller Foundation meeting “Contributions of Biotechnology on hunger and poverty alleviation” held at the New Stanley Hotel Nairobi Kenya.
 * April 23, 2003, Participation: Official launching of KARI biotechnology program by the Ministry of Agriculture held at the KARI headquarters Nairobi Kenya.
 * April 25, 2003, Participation: Launching of Highridge banana growers and marketing association in Maragua market, Thika district.
 * May 26-28, 2003, Participation: ASARECA workshop on National Biosafety policies for Development of a regional framework held at the Hilton Hotel Nairobi
 * June 10-12, 2003, Participation: Ad Hoc Expert group meeting on science and technology for sustainable development: towards a green revolution in Africa held in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
 * July 15-18, 2003, Participation: UN-Hunger Task Force /NEPAD/FARA joint proposal development and writing session held in Johannesburg South Africa.
 * August 4-6, 2003, Presentation: Science Communication and Parliamentarians policy makers’ workshop by ABSF together with Tuskegee University held at the Safari Park Hotel Nairobi
 * August 4-9, 2003, Presentation: ASARECA Biotechnology PS workshop for the Biotechnology and Biosafety programme held at the Hilton Hotel Nairobi
 * August 4-9, 2003, Presentation: 9th Symposium of the Biochemical Society of Kenya (BSK) held at the Science Complex at Kenyatta University Nairobi.
 * September 14-17, 2003, Presentation: Key note speaker at the 51st CropLife Canada conference held at the Fairmont Winnipeg Manitoba Canada followed by fundraising and Media outreach in Toronto Canada.
 * October 2, 2003, Presentation: ABSF Luncheon with Parliamentarians Committee members held at the Grand Regency Hotel Nairobi
 * October 13-15, 2003, Participation: UN-Hunger Task Force meeting held in Des Moines Iowa USA
 * October 15, 2003, Participation: Iowa Communications Network Session" (ICN) at Iowa Public Television USA
 * October 17, 2003, Presentation: Speaker at the Iowa Council for International Understanding (ICIU) for their fall "International Issues Forum”
 * October 23, 2003, Participation: IPGRI/SGRP International workshop on Agricultural Biodiversity and sustainable development held at the ICRAF campus in Nairobi.
 * October 26, 2003, Participation: CGIAR AGM meeting held at the United Nations office in Nairobi Kenya.
 * October 28, 2003, Presentation: A Harvest’s Agricultural Experts Panel at the Economic Editors Forum in Johannesburg South Africa.
 * October 31, 2003, Presentation: The Development of National Biosafety framework for Kenya ABSF-NCST workshop held at White Sands hotel Mombasa Kenya.
 * December 8-12, 2003, Participation: UNECA methodological workshop on identification and assessment of African Green Revolution indicators and design in Kampala Uganda.

2002:
 * February 21-22, 2002, Presentation: USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum 2002 held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington Virginia USA “The Future of Agricultural Biotechnology in World trade.
 * March 15, 2002, Presentation: Agbiotechnology in Developing Countries Seminar held at the Rural Parliament in Piteå, Sweden.
 * March 21–22, 2002, Presentation: The FARA African Agricultural Research Week 2002 held in Maputo Mozambique at the Rovuma Carlton Hotel.
 * May 6–8, 2002, Presentation: International Chamber of Commerce ICC World Congress Trade and Partnership: “The business of building a better world” held at the Denver Marriott Hotel – City Center in Colorado USA
 * June 17, 2002, Presentation: Meeting of the ASARECA Biotechnology stakeholders’ workshop 17th – 19th April 2002 – Hilton Hotel, Nairobi Kenya
 * June 17, 2002, Participation: African Agricultural Technology Foundation
 * July 3, 2002, Presentation: UN-ECA's First experts meeting on Biotechnology for the sustainable development of Africa held at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. 3rd –5th July 2002.
 * July 29, 2002, Presentation: African Biotechnology issues for WSSD Regional Parliamentarians meeting held at the White Sands Hotel in Mombasa Kenya
 * August 26-September 4, 2002, Participation: World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg South Africa
 * October 21-23, 2002, Participation: USAID/KARI African Biotechnology Partnership meeting held at KARI Headquarters Conference Hall
 * November 18-19, 2002, Participation: NEPAD and SAA workshop held at the Hilton Hotel Sandton Johannesburg South Africa.
 * December 2-3, 2002, Presentation: Agri Africa 2002 Genetically Modified foods and crops in South Africa held at the Balalaika Hotel Sandton South Africa.

2001:
 * February 7-9, 2001, Presentation: Delhi India: Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2001 (DSDS 2001). Theme: “Poverty: the global challenge for governments, industry, scientists and civil society
 * March 29-30, 2001 Participation: Nairobi, Kenya: African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) Title: Regional Consultation on the Implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
 * April 2-6, 2001 Participation: Nairobi, Kenya: COMESA World Trade Organization (WTO) Seminar.
 * May 21-25, 2001 Participation: Durban, South Africa CGIAR Mid-term meetings.
 * June 24-27, 2001 Presentation: San Diego, California, USA: BIO 2001 International Convention and Exhibition held at the San Diego Convention Center.
 * July 1-2, 2001 Participation: London, UK: The World Technology Award for Policy, held at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine.
 * July 31 – August 3, 2001, Presentation: Durban-South Africa: The South Africa Sugar Technologists’ Association (SASTA) 75th Annual Congress.
 * September 2-5, 2001, Presentation: Grand Regency, Nairobi-Kenya: International Symposium on Biotechnology by Biotechnology Trust Africa (BTA).
 * September 12, 2001, Presentation: Grand Regency, Nairobi-Kenya: Seminar organised by ABSF: Biotechnology Development and Policy Seminar for Kenya’s Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science & Technology.
 * September 26-27, 2001, Presentation: Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg South Africa: Biotechnology in Africa “Addressing the needs of Africa in the 21st Century” Conference.
 * October 22-26, 2001, Participation: International Congress Center Bundeshaus, Bonn Germany 15 Gorresstrasse: Convention on Biological Diversity Ad-Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Access and Benefit –Sharing.
 * November 1-2, 2001 Presentation: “The Road to Improved Nutrition and Increased Production” Conference offered by the Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston USA.

2000:
 * May 10th, 2000, International Livestock Research Institute Seminar: Topic: Potential impact of Biotechnology for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Africa.
 * May 15-26, 2000, Participation: UNEP-Nairobi: Conference on Biodiversity (CBD). (Florence participated May 15th – 17th 00.)
 * May 19-20, 2000, Participation: Dresden-Germany: Private Sector Committee (PSC) of CGIAR meetings.
 * May 21-24, 2000, Participation: Dresden-Germany: GFAR 2000 conference and CGIAR Mid-Term Meetings (MTM) 2000.
 * May 29 – June 2, 2000, Participation: Kampala, Uganda - Fifth Triennial African Potato Association Congress (APAC), meetings. (Florence participated May 29th – 30th 00).
 * June 22, 2000, Seminar: Biotech Seminar NOVA Press Interview, Rockefeller Foundation New York, USA. Topic: "Potential impact of biotechnology for Africa" sighting the ISAAA Africa case studies:  Rockefeller funded tissue culture banana and maize projects.
 * August 1-3, 2000, Presentation: Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg, South Africa: Food Biotechnology: Facts, fiction and the future: Developed and developing country perspectives on food biotechnology: Title: “The potential impact of food and agricultural biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
 * September 4-5, Visit: CIP-Egypt: To follow-up International Potato Research activities in Egypt with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Research Center.
 * October 12-13, 2000, Participation: Des Moines, Iowa-USA: World Food Prize Symposium and Laureate presentation. Topic: “The safety of Genetically Modified organisms and their role in helping Feed the Developing World in the 21st Century”.
 * November 8-11, 2000, Presentation: Accra, Ghana: SABRAD workshop. Theme: “Enabling Biotechnology for African Agriculture; development of human capacity and infrastructure in biotechnology in sub-Saharan Africa”
 * December 10-14, 2000, Presentation: Tokyo Japan: Second annual Global Development Conference (GDN 2000). Theme: “Beyond Economics: Multidisciplinary Approaches to development”.

1999:
 * February 1999, Participation: Cartagena - Colombia, Sixth Meeting Convention on Biological Diversity Open Ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety;.
 * March 1999, Forum: Bio-Vision Forum, International Life Science Forum - Lyon Conference Center – France. Presentation: “The expected impact of new technologies and products (biotechnology) on sustainable agriculture and the environment: ISAAA’s experience in Africa.”
 * June 15, 1999, Presentation: Nairobi-Kenya. Presentation: Panelist in Press Conference organized by UNESCO – Regional Communication Eastern Africa Office in preparation for World conference on science, that was to take place in Bundapest-Hungary, July 1999.
 * June 27 - 30, 1999, Presentation: Nairobi-Kenya, Egerton University Tegemeo Institute Michigan State University ECAPAPA workshop. Title: Agricultural Transformation in Africa: Agricultural biotechnology: Current and future trends and their Implications for Africa.
 * September 1999, Participation: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Meeting of Minds. Title: Towards a Strategy for the Consultative Group on International Research (CGIAR) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
 * September 27, 1999, Participation: Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Television Insight Program: Title: Biotechnology for increased food security in Kenya.
 * September 29-30, 1999, Participation: Orlando, Florida: opening of Innovation Center Exhibit at Epcott Center in Disney World by Monsanto and other High-tech industries that will help to educate visitors about future biotechnological advancements called “Innovations The Road To Tomorrow.”
 * October 14, 1999, Participation: Nairobi-Kenya: African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS). Title: Agricultural biotechnology for Eastern Africa: Opportunities for enlarging food security.
 * October 23-24, 1999, Participation: Washington DC. CGIAR-Private Sector Committee (PSC) meetings.
 * November 15-16, 1999, Participation: Bonn- Germany-(ZEF): Conference on Agriculture Biotechnology in Developing Countries: Towards optimizing the benefits for the poor. Speaker’s Title: Current and future biotechnology situation in africa:  Challenges and  opportunities in agricultural biotechnology.
 * November 16-19, 1999, Participation: Munich- Germany: (Europa Bio) Third Annual European Biotechnology Business Congress.
 * November 18–19, 1999, Presentation: Novartis-Basel: Common research and communication workshop.
 * November 27–28, 1999, Presentation: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: African Women's Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), African Regional Dialogue 4: Fighting poverty through social innovations and new coalitions EXPO2000. Theme: The role of the village in the 21st Century crops, jobs and livelihood.
 * November 29–December 3, 1999, Presentation: ICRAF-Nairobi-Kenya: Workshop: African Women in Science & Engineering (AWSE). Title: ‘Successful Science in Africa: My Own Contribution’

1998:
 * February 1998, seminar: Monsanto-St. Louis, USA – Biotechnology and Sustainable Global Development. Presentation: “Potential Impact of Biotechnology for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Developing Countries”.
 * March 1998, Forum: Entebbe, Uganda - Planning meeting for Regional Agricultural Research Networks/Programmes operating under the auspices of ASARECA. Presentation: - “ISAAA Biosafety and Biotechnology Transfer Initiative”.
 * March 1998, Forum Title: Eighteenth SPAAR Plenary Session Arusha, Tanzania on Workshop on Agribusiness and Technology in Africa for the 21st Century. Presentation: “The Role of Biotechnology in Enhancing Sustainable Agricultural Development and Increased Productivity, through Partnerships in Agribusiness.”
 * June 1998, Presentation: Ceres Forum On Food Products From Plant Biotechnology, Berlin, Germany - “Benefits and risks of genetically modified crops:  Gaining important insights on research into the benefits and risks of genetically modified crops for man and his environment”.
 * October 1998, Forum: Yaounde-Cameroon – Biosafety Workshop on the Regulations of Modern Biotechnology within the West & Central African Region. Presentation: “Technology Transfer in Modern Biotechnology; Challenges and Opportunities for Biotechnology Transfer and Applications in Africa; Kenyan Case Study”.
 * November 1998, Forum: The Monaco Economic Summit, Forum de Crans Montana Monte-Carlo, France. Presentation: “The Agro & Food Industry Forum Government, NGO – Private Sector Partnership: Project Case Studies in Africa.”

1997:
 * Forum: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Europa Bio Congress 1997 – Presentation: “Biotechnology and Sustainable Global Development; Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Africa; ISAAA’s Approach”.
 * July 1997, Presentation: KARI-Nairobi, Kenya – “Potential Impact of Biotechnology for Sustainable Agricultural Development in ASARECA Countries: ISAAA’s approach”.

Contact Information

 * Florence Muringi Wambugu
 * Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International (AHBFI)
 * P.O. Box 642
 * Village Market 00621 Nairobi
 * Kenya
 * Ph: 254-20-4441113 / 5 / 6
 * Cell: 254-733-633260
 * Fax: 254-20 –4441121
 * E-mail: fwambugu@africaharvest.org
 * Web: http://www.africaharvest.org

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Biotechnology
 * Genetically Modified Organisms
 * Monsanto
 * Green Revolution
 * Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International

External resources

 * Florence Muringi Wambugu, Science Against Poverty.
 * NOW with Bill Moyers transcript, August 30, 2002.

External articles

 * The Role of Innovation in Policy and Institutional Change: The Case of Transgenic Sweetpotato in Kenya.

2004:
 * GM crops in Africa are poverty-insensitive, Biosafety Information Centre, May 12, 2004. Article source: Third World Resurgence No. 159-160 (Nov/Dec 2003), November 1, 2003.

2003:
 * Florence Wambugu, Dr. Florence Wambugu's Statement on Biotechnology in Africa, Testimony before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, Hearing on "Review of Artificial Barriers to United States Agricultural Trade and Foreign Food Assistance," March 26, 2003.

1993:
 * Ruby M. Baum, Mar. 1993 - Sweet potatoes for a hungrier world: Choices in food biotechnology.  From International Food Information Council.
 * Carisbad N. M. December 28, 1993 A noted Scientist from Kenya Wins Prestigious USAID Scholarship. - Profiles of Women in Environment: A special Newsletter on Women, Environment and Development.

1992:
 * Anne S. Moffat, February 1992 - Biotechnology Reaches Beyond the High-Tech. West: Vol. 225: pp 919.
 * Gary F. Barton, March 1992 - Monsanto and USAID Embark on joint African Biotechnology Program: Diversity Vol. 8, No.1.
 * Michael Unger, June 5, 1992 - Third World Exploits First World for a Change: New York Newsday.
 * Ron Hanson, July 1992 - Virus-Resistant Sweet Potatoes: Agriculture: The Agricultural Group of Monsanto Company, No. 4 pp. 13.
 * Renyold Ferguson, September 6, 1992 - Kenyan, Monsanto Join To Fight Hunger: Trying to make Sweet Potatoes Resist Disease: St. Louis Post Dispatch, Sec. C:pp 1 and 6.
 * RMS, September 21, 1992 - USAID Agency, Private Company Team up to Help Third World: Washington DC, Agriculture Today, No. 3.
 * Working with Nature: New Technologies Taking Root: Monsanto Environmental Annual Review, November 1992, pp.8.
 * James E.E.. is, December 14, 1992 - Science: Out of Africa: Monsanto Magazine No.4, pp.38.
 * Karen E. Hylton, December 1992 - Science Compassion and Skill or Key Components of Success: St. Louis Public Schools:  School and Home, Volume 27:  No. 3, pp.5.

1991:
 * Paul Redfern, May 31, 1991 - Scientist studies endangered crop. Features; Kenyan Daily Nation.
 * Julianne Stone, October 1991 - Agency Help Link Farmers, U.S. Firms. Front lines: U.S. Agency for International Development pp. 4 and 7.
 * Jemimah Mwakisha, December 20, 1991 - Kenyan Scientist Gets Top Award: Kenyan Daily Nation.