Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian
African leaders and experts are strategizing to reshape the continent’s agrifood sector, aiming to unlock its potential for economic growth and food security. During a three-day African Union meeting that concluded on Saturday, participants reviewed the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), a blueprint for accelerating agricultural transformation across Africa.
Kenyan law advocate Kidi Mwaga highlighted promising developments, noting that farmers increasingly combine innovative practices and scientific research with traditional knowledge to enhance crop productivity, diversify produce, improve nutrition, and bolster climate resilience.
“Most African nations already possess tools to fast-track agrifood transformation and rural development,” Mwaga said. “With agriculture central to economic growth, Africa can emerge as a global agricultural powerhouse and a net food exporter.”
Despite the sector’s potential, Mwaga emphasized the critical need to address infrastructure challenges. “Inadequate railways, roads, and ports hinder farmers from accessing markets, inflating the cost of traded goods by 30–40%,” he noted.
Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja urged collective action to reduce Africa’s dependence on food imports. “It’s disheartening that a continent rich in arable land and water sources imports so much food. We must build a resilient agricultural sector that adapts to climate change and leverages technology,” Nabbanja stated.
Appolinaire Djikeng, Director of the International Livestock Research Institute, called for stronger coalitions and greater investment by governments. “Transforming Africa’s agrifood systems requires collaboration, robust policies, and capacity-building. No single country or organization can achieve this alone,” Djikeng said.
The meeting underscored the urgency of aligning efforts to position Africa as a leader in sustainable agriculture and food security.
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