Keynote Speaker

Biography

The new Chairperson of the RUFORUM International Advisory Panel (IAP), Dr David Neilson from USA worked with the World Bank Group in Washington as Lead Agriculture Economist until his retirement. He brings to the Network a wealth of experience in International Development. The International Advisory Panel (IAP), a sub-committee of the RUFORUM Board, plays a key role in supporting the Board and the Secretariat to position the RUFORUM network to take advantage of the opportunities in, particularly, the external environment. Composed of eight individuals from both within and outside Africa, the IAP brings together high level individuals with a wealth of experience and that are strategically placed to support RUFORUM to better understand the external environment. The IAP meets regularly through physical, as well as during on-line meetings. During the 15th Annual General Meeting, the new team of the IAP members chaired by Dr David Neilson met to explore collaborative partnership opportunities for RUFORUM.