The 12th CAADP PP began on a high note with more than 300 participants attending the meeting.  The AUC and NEPAD organized meeting brought together Regional Economic Communities, government ministries, farmers’ organisations, the private sector, civil society and development partners. 

Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday addressed the media on the “Africa Food Prize”

“We want to celebrate individuals and institutions that are changing the reality of farming in Africa from a gruelling struggle to survive to a profitable family business that thrives,” said  Former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, who is chairing the Africa Food Prize Committee.

The Africa Food Prize recognizes outstanding individuals and institutions that are changing the reality of farming in Africa from a struggle to survive, to businesses that thrive. Winners will be selected by a panel of independent and distinguished leaders in African agriculture chaired by  H.E Obasanjo.

The NEPAD Agency CEO also had an opportunity to share his thoughts on  financing models that will bring about Africa’s agriculture transformation. In this interview, he also spoke on the kind of partnerships Africa needs to focus on to realise a continent that will not only feed itself, but the world at large.

Filmed at the 12th CAADP PP, the CAADP documentary is an advocacy tool that will be used to reach out to stakeholders with messaging on the next ten years of agriculture in Africa.  The 2025 Malabo goals adopted by African countries to accelerate sustainable growth in the agricultural sector form the core message of the documentary.  Different stakeholder voices are included on how they see Africa and themselves turning this important sector around.

A nutrition side event on accountability for nutrition outcomes brought together member states, RECs, development partners , private sector and civil society.  The meeting discussed the nutrition situation on the continent, highlighting the high levels of child under-nutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies among children and women of reproductive age as well as the problem of over-nutrition and obesity.

The role of agriculture in improving nutrition was also discussed, including raising awareness on the Malabo Declaration on Nutrition Security for Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa.  The meeting concluded with key actions to be implemented by NEPAD, AUC  and the RECs in collaboration with partners. These include:

• Stepping up on Advocacy and communication for Nutrition including aligning the 2 Malabo Declarations on Agriculture and Nutrition Security
• Communicating the cost benefits of nutrition especially during high level events such as the AU summit.
• Linking nutrition better with the agriculture value chain to attract financing and investment and
• Strengthening coordination at the continental, regional and national levels for improved nutrition outcomes.

Speaking during a Panel discussion titled “Inclusive Access to Finance to empower Women and Youth, a young female farmer from Botswana, Beauty Manaka spoke about her experience.

“I went into farming because I wanted money and I wanted it fast. One of the things that encouraged me to go into farming is that there was possibility of making money, especially looking at the South African farmers who were already well-established and successful. I knew that there was access to finance in Botswana availed to youth and women and I managed to get finance to kick-start my business.

It has not been easy and I would like to propose that governments come up with strategies to mainstream agriculture education into the education system.”  she said.

“There is also an urgent need to formulate more policies that focus on supporting and aiding women farmers,“ said Beauty

Source: NEPA