The U.S. Agency for International Development is spending $120 million for crop and animal research and training this year.
Julie Howard, USAID chief scientist and senior adviser for agricultural research, extension and education, said this is part of President Barack Obama’s Feed the Future initiative, which focuses on Asia and Africa.
But in order for the agency to continue its programs, such as in agriculture, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah has to convince lawmakers to approve Obama’s 2013 budget request for the agency — including those at the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on state, foreign operations and related programs, where he testified on Wednesday (March 14).
Shah highlighted the same points he made when he testified at the House Appropriations subcommittee on state and foreign operations, including the $1 billion request for Feed the Future. He said it would help poor farmers in USAID recipient countries and help millions “break out of poverty.”
Meanwhile, Nancy Lindborg, assistant administrator of USAID’s bureau for democracy, conflict and humanitarian assistance, briefed lawmakers at the Committee on Foreign Relations on what USAID and its partners have done and are doing to ease the rising humanitarian crises in Sudan and South Sudan.
Read more:
Rajiv Shah continues foreign aid budget fight in second annual letter
Reform efforts drive fiscal 2013 hiring plans at USAID, State
Rajiv Shah outlines USAID agenda for private sector engagement
At independent panel hearing, Rajiv Shah to shed light on USAID contracting reform progress
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