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Hon Kasauta Saiti Michelo, a Member of the National Assembly for Bweengwa Constituency in Zambia who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands, and Natural Resources, has urged African legislators to formulate laws that support the implementation of the Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
He was speaking at the just-ended post-Malabo Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) held in Kampala, Uganda from 21-23 August 2024.
Hon Michelo was also speaking as a representative of the Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN) that emerged during the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform held in Lusaka, Zambia last year.
“As parliamentarians, our legislative role is vital in formulating laws that support the implementation of the CAADP strategy. We commit to developing and enacting robust legislation that will facilitate the necessary reforms and provide a legal framework to ensure the strategy’s objectives are met. This includes legislation that promotes sustainable agricultural practices, enhances food security, and ensures equitable access to resources.
“We are dedicated to our oversight role, ensuring that the strategies and actions proposed are implemented effectively and transparently. We will monitor progress diligently, engage with stakeholders consistently, and adjust policies as necessary to achieve our common goals,” Hon Michelo said.
He applauded the African Union and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) for their leadership in orchestrating a thorough and inclusive process that reflects the collective aspirations for developing sustainable agrifood systems in Africa.
The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035 envisions a transformed agri-food system that is dynamic, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive, driving economic growth and ensuring food security and healthy diets for all. It commits to enhancing agricultural productivity while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and respecting the environment.
Recognizing the urgent need for substantial investment in Africa’s agrifood system, Parliamentarians pledged to advocate for more and better investment, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based strategies and bankable projects.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that channel significant financing into modernizing agricultural technologies, enhancing infrastructure, and building the capacities of our local communities to manage and prosper in sustainable agro-systems.
“We must leverage innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance, green bonds, and impact investing. These tools will enable us to attract private-sector capital, reduce the risk of investment, and ensure that public funds are used effectively and efficiently,” he added.