Kampala — The World Agricultural Forum will be held in Uganda in 2009, marking its first World Congress outside of the United States, according to the forum.

"The world's attention to Africa continues to grow, particularly with humanitarian concerns," said James Bolger, WAF Advisory Board chairman and former New Zealand prime minister, in a release.

The World Congress will take place Feb. 24 to 26, 2009, in Kampala. It will replace the previously scheduled WAF regional Congress in Kampala, in September 2008, which has been canceled due to the heavy interest in Africa that caused WAF to make it the location for the larger World Congress.

The U.S.-based WAF is a global organization that brings together representatives of various countries and sectors to discuss agriculture policies and strategies, with the goal of providing food for everyone.

Hundreds of groups have offered aid to Africa, WAF said.

"Looking beyond Africa's agricultural potential, the need for collaboration among these various groups will propel initiatives for higher education, encouraging entrepreneurs," Bolger said.

Topics will include the food-versus-fuel debate and bio-energy production for local use, as well as attracting investments.

There will also be an emphasis on education with the introduction of the WAF Task Force on Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education in Africa, the forum said.