AFS Forum’s Post

In a significant step forward, African leaders gathered at the Extraordinary AU Summit in Kampala, Uganda, to adopt the Kampala CAADP Declaration, setting an ambitious agenda to transform the continent’s agrifood systems. Aligned with the Malabo Declaration and the goals of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), this declaration emphasizes food security, sustainability, and resilience in addressing current agricultural and food challenges..... More informations : https://lnkd.in/e8UXuTg2

Tne African Food Systems Forum (AFS) in Kigali, Rwanda highlighted crucial aspects for addressing food security challenges. Key takeaways stress the importance of collaboration, investment, and youth engagement. Emphasizing public-private partnerships, climate-resilient agriculture, increased investment in food systems, and promoting nutrition and health are essential for sustainable progress. #FoodSecurity #YouthEngagement #PublicPrivatePartnerships

According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa are facing critical food and nutrition insecurity this year. As the lean season stretches from June to August, these numbers highlight the urgent need for action. To address food security, agricultural projects in Africa must integrate sustainable farming techniques resilient to climate impacts and promote economic growth. Investing in infrastructure and technology, and fostering collaborations between governments and the private sector are crucial. Establishing localized food systems to reduce dependency on external imports is essential for ensuring long-term food security and economic stability. At Mitrelli Water and Food Security Sector, we are driving solutions that work for Africa, integrating cutting-edge farming technologies, building local infrastructure, and fostering partnerships between governments and private sectors. By doing so, we are reducing dependency on imports, empowering rural communities, and laying the foundation for long-term food security. Read the full article >> https://lnkd.in/gh9Pm_r5 #Africa #FoodSecurity #Impact #Agriculture

I had the privilege of moderating the Farmer’s Forum at the recently concluded Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, an event that brought together over 5,000 delegates, including representatives from the African Development Bank, the World Food Programme, civil society, and the private sector. This year's summit focused on transformative solutions for Africa's food systems, emphasizing the critical roles of youth and women in agriculture. Engaging discussions highlighted innovative approaches to enhance food security and nutrition across the continent. The participation of diverse stakeholders underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges facing our food systems. Together, we explored actionable strategies to mobilize investments and foster sustainable agricultural practices that can uplift communities and drive economic growth. Central to these discussions was the vital role of smallholder farmers, who produce up to 80% of the food in many developing regions and support the livelihoods of approximately 2.5 billion people. Despite their significance, smallholder farmers face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources and technology. However, with increased support and investment, they can significantly contribute to feeding Africa and driving economic growth. Their commitment to sustainable practices, such as agroforestry and crop diversification, positions them as key players in building resilient food systems. As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to engage in these vital strategies and implement the insights gained. The future of Africa’s food systems depends on our collective commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. #AfricaFoodSystems #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #Collaboration #Innovation #4Betters

Our East Africa Managing Partner, Omid Kassiri leads a discussion on Food Security: Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture Systems in Africa at the Africa CEO Forum 2024 in Kigali. Omid delves into the necessary interventions that both the private and public sectors should consider undertaking to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural harvests. These effects not only contribute to the escalation of food prices but also exacerbate food insecurity, impacting the lives of approximately 280 million people across Africa. This discussion sheds light on innovative strategies and solutions to ensure the resilience of agriculture systems in the face of climate change. #ACF24 #FoodSecurity #Agritech #Agriculture #McKinseyAfrica #McKAfrica #ACF2024

On this Nyerere Day, it's fitting to reflect on the wisdom of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, particularly his views on Africa's food crisis during his tenure as the Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). In an interview with New Africa magazine, when asked about the long-term solution to Africa's food challenges, he made a point that still resonates today: Africa has the potential to produce enough food, not only for itself but beyond. According to Mwalimu, food shortages in Tanzania were not caused by inadequate rainfall but by outdated agricultural practices. He believed that if more modern farming methods were adopted, Tanzania and other parts of Africa could easily overcome food deficits. Fast forward to today, Nyerere's insights remains highly relevant. While Africa continues to face food insecurity, many of the underlying issues—lack of modern agricultural practices, limited access to inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, and under-investment in infrastructure are the same. We still witness regions with fertile land failing to meet their food production potential due to similar challenges. Mwalimu’s solution was clear: provide farmers with the necessary tools and resources to boost productivity. The way forward requires investments in agricultural technology, climate-resilient farming practices, and access to markets. If we empower our farmers with these, Africa will not only be able to feed itself but can also contribute to global food security. As we honor Nyerere’s legacy, let us commit to advancing agriculture across the continent to unlock its full potential. His vision for a self-sufficient Africa is as relevant now as it was then. #NyerereDay #FoodSecurity #AfricaAgriculture

Tanzania🇹🇿 is setting new benchmarks in food self-sufficiency across Africa, raising hope that the fight against hunger and malnutrition on the continent is achievable. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania said her country had reached 128 percent food security and is now exporting surplus to neighbouring countries. She told a packed auditorium during a high level session at the World Food Prize Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, that after achieving food sufficiency, “the country is now working on quality, accessibility and affordability, and how to minimize post-harvest losses.” Tanzania has broken another record by becoming a processor and net exporter of cashew nuts, which for nearly all African countries, are processed in Asia. The country has also succeeded in rural electrification with nearly 100 percent of its 12,300 villages with electricity, President Suluhu Hassan said. Backed by investment from the African Development Bank, Tanzania’s Creating jobs for Youth and Women programme is targeting the country’s 65% youth population with training in farming, agriculture, livestock and crop farming. ••• [AfDB.org]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐧-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚'𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. The African Union (AU) has adopted a new agricultural development strategy that will see the continent increase its agri-foods output by 45 percent by 2035 and transform its agri-food systems as part of its new plan to become food secure in a decade. This is after the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) held in Kampala, Uganda, adopted the 10-year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan and the Kampala CAADP Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-food Systems in Africa, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2035. Read More on :https://lnkd.in/etjXNu8w #AfricanUnion #africanagriculture #africa #AgriculturalEconomics

The coffee sector in Uganda is buzzing with significant changes and opportunities. The recent restructuring of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) is a hot topic. This move, part of the Rationalisation of Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) policy, aims to streamline operations and reduce costs. While some stakeholders are optimistic about the potential efficiencies, others are concerned about possible disruptions in services and support. On a positive note, record-high coffee prices have brought substantial financial gains for farmers, with some reporting income increases of up to 20%! However, the introduction of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) presents new challenges. Ugandan coffee exports must now meet strict sustainability standards, pushing smallholder farmers to adopt environmentally compliant practices. #UgandaCoffee #CoffeeIndustry #Sustainability #Agriculture #UCDA #EUDR #FarmersFirst Uganda Coffee Development Authority GIZ Uganda Mastercard Foundation European Union