Date: 2/29/2000

IALP Class of 2000

Cairo, Egypt

Russ Higgins shows the Cairo University Flag Tuesday morning. At the University Laser Enhancement Center we viewed cutting edge research on photo-activated plant pigments that offer great promise for environmentally friendly uses ranging from cancer treatment to "blowing up insects". Communication problems limited our visits to the Economics and Political Science and CommercerDepartments to brief presentations. A MBA program with Georgia State University provides the opportunity for an business education in English.

By noon, we met with Cairo University President, Dr. Nageeb Goher and senior members of his administration. The university was established in 1908 and has 70,000 students on the main campus. There are 1500 instructional staff members, many who have studied in the U.S. including the University of Illinois.

We visited their version of the USDA Ag. Research Center, talking with it's Director, Dr. Saad Nassar. Questions centered around Egyption plans for future agricultural growth. Three basic issues frame this debate: 1)limited ariable land, 2)limited water resoruses and 3)steep population growth. Many questions covered the debate of protecting and enhancing ag production in the rich delta region vs. converting deserts to cropland with irrigation.

Dr.Akila Hamza, Director for the Central Laboratory for Food and Feed explained their work on imported grain inspection. In fact, equipment and training donated by the U. S. Grains Council has elevated their grain grading process to the point they import mainly U. S. grains do to quality advantages.

Egypt is a strong supporter of genetic engineering; in fact, they have a world-class research lab working on dozens on plant modifications that can improve food production. Two research directions prevail: First are modifications that resist environmental stresses such as drought--quite a concern in the desert. Second, are modifications that resist insects and viruses.