Writes Charles Dhewa Decades after independence from colonial masters, most African countries continue to perpetuate colonial urban planning approaches that were designed to exclude and marginalize the majority of poor Africans and their markets from urban areas. For instance, why should it be acceptable for urban dwellers to keep cats, dogs, and horses but…
Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has said the Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government on the Post Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda in Kampala, Uganda signifies a commitment to transforming the African agricultural sector. In a statement read on his behalf by Dr. Anxious Masuka,…
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) said despite some progress in addressing food insecurity, Africa still faces several challenges and obstacles to the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) including climate change and inadequate funding of the agricultural sector. This came to the fore during an interactive…
KAMPALA, UGANDA – Stakeholders have been urged to embrace policy and institutional support measures to ensure the successful implementation of the post-Malabo agenda for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system. These were the sentiments of Dr. Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, the Chief Executive Officer of the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) …
KAMPALA, UGANDA – Dr. Bright Rwamirama, Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has underscored the importance of animal protein in food and nutrition security. He was speaking during a Livestock Side event at the Margins of the African Union Heads of States Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development…
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is proud to announce the appointment of Alice Ruhweza as its next President, effective March 1st, 2025. This appointment follows a thorough and comprehensive selection process in partnership with Spencer Stuart. The incoming president, Alice Ruhweza will succeed Dr. Agnes Kalibata, who has successfully led AGRA…
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Group of Non-State Actors has shared a common position on food systems with members of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee of Rural Agriculture, Water, and Environment as well as the Heads of State and Government of the African Union during the ongoing African Union Extraordinary Summit in…
KAMPALA, UGANDA – Evidence-based policies and strategies are essential to drive sustainable food systems transformation, without which stakeholders would not be able to successfully implement the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and deliver the African transformation, HE Jakaya Kikwete, the former President of Tanzania has said. He made the remarks in his keynote…
KAMPALA, UGANDA – Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka has said multi-stakeholder collaboration is the best way of developing Africa’s agricultural advancement. He was speaking during a side event of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Programme ((CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda…
KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Africa Union-led development of a new 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035 whose vision is to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for a healthy and prosperous Africa, is in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063. There were the remarks today by H.E….
Writes Dr. Antony Chapoto I am representing ANAPRI at the AU Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action, taking place in Kampala, Uganda, from January 9 to 11, 2024. Our network is dedicated to supporting the AU and member states by providing essential data and evidence to guide…
The United Arab Emirates has distributed 1,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Chad who are facing dire conditions due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s commitment to addressing the priorities of affected Sudanese communities and ensuring effective aid delivery to those in urgent need. The distributed food baskets…
Stakeholders are geared for the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit to mark the adoption of a new 10-year Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035, as well as the Kampala CAADP Declaration to be held in Uganda from 9 to 11 January 2025. In her remarks for the African Union…
Writes Lloyd Rabaya The sun is just rising above the horizon at Elizabeth Mpofu’s homestead in Shashe as farmers are running up and down preparing to board the morning coach to Masvingo town. Smiles on their faces as they appear eager to implement what they had learned the past two days during an exchange visit…
Writes AGRA For over a decade, AGRA has been at the forefront of promoting innovations in the agriculture space. These innovations have fuelled growth in the agriculture sector in Africa. In under 10 years, the agricultural GDP in Africa has seen significant growth. In 2022, agriculture, forestry, and fishing contributed around 17% of Sub-Saharan…
Writes Felicidade Banze MAPUTO (Mozambique) – Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) has begun the distribution of more than eighty tons of food products to people affected by hunger in the country’s central province of Sofala where more than 13 000 people are facing acute hunger. INGD’s delegate in Sofala, Aristides…
Writes Zvikomborero Machinga Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pressing social issues of our time, affecting individuals and communities across all sectors. Defined as harmful acts directed at individuals based on gender, GBV encompasses physical, mental, sexual, and economic harm. Globally, 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence in their…
National Environment Awareness Trust (NEAT) in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, donated food and new clothes to two orphanage homes as an early Christmas gift to the underprivileged members of the community. The event, held on Saturday, was a celebration of community spirit and generosity led by the Church…
The importance of school feeding programs and conducive learning environments took center stage during a key breakout session at the Continental Education Conference, which kickstarted on December 9, 2024, in Nouakchott, Mauritania, with experts highlighting the transformative potential of integrated approaches to education in Africa. Dr. Hameed Nuru, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP)…
Chedonje Primary School has received a significant boost to its agricultural projects, thanks to the generosity of a local businessman who has funded the drilling of a borehole on the school’s premises. The borehole will provide a reliable source of water for the school’s agricultural projects, including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and environmental conservation. …
The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) has awarded Blessing Mapfumo, a Zimbabwean based in South Africa, with the Africa Honorary Award 2024, an award which is “conferred upon an identified individual who has made a longstanding and significant contribution within the WAS”. Mr. Mapfumo, a long-serving aquaculture professional, led the establishment of the WAS…
Libreville, Gabon 6/12/24 – Experts in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary issues from the continent reiterated in Libreville (Gabon) the need for harmonisation and the adoption of African standards to deal with the integration of good practices at the global level. These positions were taken at an African Union coordination and consultative forum…
Libreville, Gabon 4/12/24 – The policy framework of the African Union’s sanitary and phytosanitary systems seeks to strengthen the efficiency of intra-African trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), senior AU programme coordinator Chiluba Mwape said in Libreville, Gabon. Chiluba Mwape, who was speaking at the fifth coordination session…
Agriculture drives economic growth across Africa, but most smallholder farmers still rely on outdated tools, leading to low yields and profits. Digital technologies offer a solution by streamlining processes, improving access to data, and boosting productivity. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the “Fostering Digital Villages through Innovative Advisory and Profitable Market Services…
African Union Commissioner for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Ambassador Josefa Correia Sacko reaffirmed in Dakar that the Africa Soil Initiative and the mechanism to finance the action plan provide a clear path to achieving sustainable agricultural productivity and food sovereignty in Africa. The diplomat, who was speaking…
Writes Dr Mathew M. Abang Grown in more than 135 countries in the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Oceania and Africa, bananas and plantains are staple crops for the food security of some 400 million people. With around 15 percent of global production exported, the total trade value of bananas was about USD 7.5 billion…
The African Agri Investment Indaba which took place in Cape Town and was organised by the African Agri Council, addressed sub-Saharan Africa’s worst food crisis in decades. With over 800 participants from 20+ countries, the event focused on tackling the urgent food scarcity affecting millions. Over 16 million people in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe…
Following the negative impact of the El-Nino-induced drought that affected Southern Africa, Zimbabwe included, the United Nations (UN) country team is supporting smallholder farmers in irrigation schemes in Masvingo Province. One such initiative is the Mushandike Irrigation Scheme located in Masvingo District which is one of the oldest irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. The scheme…
Livestock farming is vital in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector because it boosts the country’s economy, food security, and rural livelihoods. Farmers, agricultural service providers, and other actors in the livestock value chain rely on livestock for employment and revenue. In a speech read on behalf of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson in the Ministry of…
Writes Kirubel Tadele Baku, Azerbaijan – As the second week of COP29 negotiations continues, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) launches its latest publication, Agroecology Works: Evidence from Kenya. This booklet offers a deep dive into the transformative power of agroecology through 15 inspiring stories from across ten counties in Kenya, providing a rich…
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Hon Ezra Chadzamira, has said Zimbabwe has managed to sustain food and nutrition security through United Nations Agencies’ support in the country. He made the remarks in Masvingo today at a workshop by the United Nations in Zimbabwe to build partnerships and…
Eastern Africa is a region of stark contrasts, where immense potential coexists with pressing challenges. On one hand, it presents a myriad of business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide, offering a gateway to emerging markets with significant growth potential. However, this promising outlook is tempered by the persistent threat of drought and severe…
Yesterday, during the opening of the 6th World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) campaign for Africa in Cameroon, AU-IBAR’s Director Dr. Huyam Salih highlighted the urgent need to address Antimicrobial Resistance (hashtag#AMR)—a growing global threat that knows no borders. Dr. Salih underscored that 60-75% of emerging human pathogens originate from animals, making the responsible use of…
The Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) has raised alarm over food safety in the region, particularly in maize production, amid concerns that failure to address these issues could impact negatively on regional trade. Speaking at a workshop in Bomet County, EAFF Chairman Philip Kiriro emphasized the importance of tackling food safety challenges to prevent…
Writes Lloyd Rabaya Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers’ Forum (ZIMSOFF)’s recent exchange visit in Shashe, Masvingo, has proved to be of great importance to farmers as they taught each other various agroecology elements. During the two-day visit, farmers had the opportunity to watch and learn from other practicing farmers on best sustainable practices that include water…
Writes Ebrima Jarra, Soil Scientist and Civil Actor from The Gambia A Path Toward Equitable and Sustainable Development by “The Soil Solution” (NGO) Abstract As climate change accelerates, its impacts disproportionately burden local communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These communities, often with minimal contributions to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, face severe challenges,…
Empowering Smallholders through Market Approaches The lack of agricultural biodiversity in farming systems threatens nutritional security for nearly 3 billion people in India and Africa or roughly 40 percent of the global population. Around 600 million smallholder farmers (with a bulk in India and Africa), who are working on less than two hectares…
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Office for Southern Africa convened a Multidisciplinary Team meeting to discuss and agree on how FAO can better support agrifood system transformation in Southern African countries. The meeting was held today 11 November 2024 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe. …
Writes Lloyd Rabaya With the sharp voices of the Zvamahande Primary School pupils cutting through the air echoing the food sovereignty message with their poems, the farmers from various provinces who were gathered at Shashe Agroecology School celebrating the International Day of Rural Women, which was preceded by International Food Sovereignty Day, lauded and ululated…
Writes Toyin Omozuwa The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the reappointment of the Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha for a second tenure of 5 years. His reappointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the…
A high-level political forum on global action against hunger is underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with stakeholders seeking to achieve this goal, importantly in Africa where a large proportion of the population is food insecure annually and increasingly goes hungry. These were the sentiments for His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe,…
The winners of the Platform for Agricultural Risk Management (PARM) Stories Challenge were sponsored by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to attend the commemoration of the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS), the 20th edition of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform (PP) and the associated Malabo…
The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) aimed at achieving economic growth and stability, food and nutrition security, structural transformation, and value chains among many common priorities. These were the sentiments of Mr. Spencer Dube, the Acting Chief Director of Political Affairs in the Ministry of…
Reliable food security statistics are essential for informed decisions on food access, quality, and affordability. Recognizing this, a regional collaboration between the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Statistics Norway, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), has supported eight African nations in strengthening their food and nutritional security…
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Progamme (CAADP) Biennial Review Reports have shown that countries have missed targets on enhancing investment finance in agriculture, ending hunger, halving poverty, boosting intra-African trade, enhancing resilience to climate variability, and promoting mutual accountability by 2025 as espoused in the commitments that support the Malabo Declaration. This was revealed by…
