January 13, 2025
African nations unveiled a bold, decade-long strategy to drive agricultural development and transform food systems.
Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP)
Kampala, Uganda – On Saturday, African nations unveiled a bold, decade-long strategy to drive agricultural development and transform food systems—an essential sector for the livelihoods of millions across the continent.
The strategy, which includes a comprehensive action plan under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) and the Kampala Declaration, was officially adopted at the conclusion of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on CAADP held in Kampala, Uganda.
Ambitious Targets for 2035
Under this new framework, African nations have set ambitious targets to boost sustainable food production by 45% and cut post-harvest losses by half by 2035. To achieve these goals, member states have committed to mobilize $100 billion in public and private investments over the next decade.
This unprecedented commitment calls for a collaborative approach involving governments, parliaments, food producers, the private sector, and civil society to translate policy decisions into actionable outcomes. The Kampala Declaration emphasized, “Together, we can transform Africa’s agri-food system into a sustainable and inclusive future.”
Renewed Focus on Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program
The CAADP initiative, established in 2003, was designed to address hunger and poverty by promoting increased investment in agriculture. At its inception, African nations pledged to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to the agricultural sector. Despite some progress, many countries have struggled to meet this target, making the new strategy a critical opportunity to reignite momentum.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, speaking at the summit, urged countries to embrace commercial agriculture and value addition as key strategies for economic growth. He stressed the importance of tailoring agricultural approaches to land size, advocating for intensive agriculture for smaller plots and extensive agriculture for larger holdings.
Museveni remarked, “Fully commercializing agriculture is essential to achieve both food security and homestead income. By prioritizing agricultural enterprises, we can unlock economic prosperity for millions of Africans.”
His Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto also called on African countries to implement common strategies to build resilient agricultural food systems.
“Let us increase our investments in regional agricultural infrastructure, foster research and innovation and accelerate the dissemination of technological solutions,” Ruto said during the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme.
“This is our moment to commit to a bold and transformative agenda for Africa’s food systems so that, together, we can build a robust and enduring foundation for sustainable agriculture,” he added.
Other leaders who spoke at the summit were Joào Lourenço (Angola), Évariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia), Brahim Ghali (Sahrawi), Taye Atske Selassie (Ethiopia) and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, among others.
Africa’s Agricultural Challenges
The summit, which drew over 2,000 participants—including agricultural experts, ministers, and heads of state from over 40 African Union member states—served as a platform to address the multifaceted challenges facing Africa’s agricultural sector.
Key issues discussed included:
Post-Harvest Losses: With nearly 30% of food produced in Africa lost due to poor storage, transportation, and processing, reducing waste is crucial for food security.
Climate Change: The agricultural sector, heavily reliant on rain-fed farming, is highly vulnerable to climate shocks, necessitating investments in resilient practices.
Value Addition: Transforming raw agricultural products into higher-value goods can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Youth Engagement: Empowering young people to embrace agriculture as a viable livelihood is critical for ensuring the sector’s sustainability.
The new strategy is a significant step forward in Africa’s quest to achieve food security, reduce poverty, and create resilient economies. By integrating technology, improving market access, and prioritizing gender equity in agriculture, the continent can unlock the full potential of its agri-food systems.
As the Kampala Declaration outlines, the road ahead requires political will, coordinated efforts, and accountability.
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