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Dr. Monty
Jones is the Executive Director of FARA,
the Forum for Agricultural Research based in Accra, Ghana. Monty is co-winner of the
prestigious 2004 World Food Prize, awarded for his discovery of the
genetic process to create the New Rice for Africa (NERICA) which gives
higher yields, shorter growth cycles and more protein content than its
Asian and African parents.
Monty, a Sierra Leonean, has spent the
past 22 years of his career in Africa working on international
agricultural research for development institutions. His work on NERICA
has increased rice production in West, East and Central Africa and
created savings for many African governments. In September 2001, he
received the National Order of Merit of Côte d’Ivoire given by the
Ivorian president. |
In
2004, he also received the Insignia of the Grand
Officer of the order of the Rokel from the Sierra Leone president for
his work on NERICA. Since joining FARA in 2002 as its Executive
Director, Monty has mobilized key decision makers including the
African Union and NEPAD, as well as major investors in African
agriculture development to work together towards the achievement of
Africa’s vision. He was listed as one of the 100 most influential people
in the world by Time magazine for 2007.