*AGRA’s Vision to Transform Africa’s Food Systems”
By Anthony Muchoki
In a passionate and urgent address at the United Nations Headquarters on September 17, 2023, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, shed light on the pressing need for a radical transformation of Africa’s agri-food systems. Dr. Kalibata eloquently articulated the challenges facing the African continent and outlined AGRA’s innovative roadmap to tackle these critical issues.
The Stark Reality: Dr. Kalibata began her address by painting a stark picture of the situation in Africa. She emphasized that two to three Africans are directly dependent on the agricultural sector for their livelihoods. These individuals are part of a food system that is currently failing, resulting in daily struggles for millions, particularly in countries like South Africa. Dr. Kalibata’s words served as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the situation.
AGRA’s Response: Dr. Kalibata detailed AGRA’s response to the challenges at hand. Following the Food System Summit, AGRA recognized the importance of helping African countries understand and develop investable food system plans. The goal is to provide prospective investors with a clear understanding of viable programs, especially those that can activate private sector resources.
AGRA, as a leading advocate for agricultural transformation in Africa, has embarked on a multifaceted approach to address the myriad issues within the continent’s food systems. Dr. Kalibata’s speech highlighted three key pillars of AGRA’s strategy.
1. Investment in Transformative Food System Plans: Dr. Kalibata’s passionate plea was accompanied by a concrete commitment. AGRA understands that the financial burden of transforming Africa’s food systems is substantial. Approximately 20 to 25 African nations collectively require $10 billion to overhaul their food systems. This investment is not merely a financial outlay but a crucial step towards sustainable development.
Dr. Kalibata pointed out that while $10 billion might seem like a significant sum, the alternative is far costlier. Without meaningful transformation, humanitarian aid costs are projected to escalate to 2.5 times this amount. Currently, a staggering 50% of investments are directed towards addressing food challenges and social protection. AGRA’s vision is to shift this balance towards more sustainable and tangible investments. The goal is not just to alleviate hunger but to create a thriving ecosystem where Africa can stand on its own feet.
2. Seizing the Opportunity of Continental Free Trade: Dr. Kalibata stressed the significance of the upcoming conclusion of the two-year Continental Free Trade Agreement framework. This presents a golden opportunity for the continent to not only rebuild but also align strategies with the common position taken on food systems. AGRA aims to understand Africa’s anticipated population growth, its concentration in specific regions, and the resulting implications for agriculture.
The Continental Free Trade Agreement, if harnessed effectively, could be a game-changer. Dr. Kalibata envisions it as a powerful tool for doubling trade within the continent. This trade agreement, when coupled with a revamped and sustainable food system, could usher in an era of prosperity and self-sufficiency for Africa.
3. Transforming AGRA into Africa’s Largest Food System Forum: AGRA’s transformative vision extends beyond financial commitments and trade agreements. Dr. Kalibata proudly announced the metamorphosis of the “Africa’s Green Revolution Forum” into “Africa’s Largest Food System Forum.” This forum serves as a platform for uniting the continent and advocating for faster, unified solutions.
The forum’s purpose is to bring together stakeholders from across Africa and the world to deliberate on critical issues and forge a consensus on the way forward. Dr. Kalibata emphasized the need for speed in addressing these challenges. The current pace of change, she warned, is insufficient. Without accelerated action, Africa faces the grim prospect of becoming the hungriest and poorest continent by 2055, as per the framework of the CAADP.
A Vision Beyond Survival: In conclusion, Dr. Agnes Kalibata’s impassioned address serves as a wake-up call to the world. It underscores the imminent crisis facing Africa’s food systems and the profound impact it has on the lives of millions of Africans. AGRA’s visionary approach, coupled with global cooperation and investment, offers hope for a future where Africa not only survives but thrives as a prosperous and self-sustaining continent.
The time for action is now, as the consequences of inaction are too dire to contemplate. Dr. Kalibata’s speech at the United Nations Headquarters resonates as a clarion call for international organizations, governments, philanthropists, and the private sector to come together in a concerted effort to address the impending hunger crisis in Africa.
A Call to Action: Dr. Kalibata’s words echo beyond the halls of the United Nations. They reach into the hearts and minds of people across the globe, urging them to take action. The following are key takeaways from her address, serving as a roadmap for collective action:
- Invest in the Future: The $10 billion needed to transform Africa’s food systems is an investment in a brighter future, not just for Africa but for the world. It’s a call for governments, philanthropists, and private sector leaders to step up and fund these critical initiatives.
- Leverage Trade Agreements: The Continental Free Trade Agreement is a unique opportunity to boost intra-African trade. When combined with a revamped food system, it can be a catalyst for economic growth and development across the continent.
- Unity and Speed: AGRA’s transformation into Africa’s Largest Food System Forum symbolizes the need for unity and speed in addressing these challenges. The world must come together, forge common solutions, and act swiftly to avert the impending crisis.
- Long-Term Vision: Dr. Kalibata’s vision extends beyond mere survival. It encompasses job creation, economic growth, and genuine development. Africa has the potential to become a global player, and this transformation is essential not only for the continent but for the entire world.
The world stands at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape the destiny of an entire continent. Dr. Agnes Kalibata’s call to action reverberates with a sense of urgency and hope. It’s a call to transform not just Africa’s food systems but also the lives of millions of people who depend on them. It’s a call to ensure that Africa’s future is one of prosperity, not poverty, and that it emerges as an equal player on the global stage. It’s a call to make a difference, and it starts with each and every one of us