The first-ever Rural Development Forum in Africa, under the auspices of the African Union, was held in Cotonou, Benin from May 2-4. The Forum was hosted and graced by the President of Benin, H. E Thomas Yayi Boni, who is also the champion of the AU/NEPAD  Agriculture programme.

Overall, the Forum led to the proclamation of strong principles on which a strategy to develop rural transformation will be built.

The theme of the Forum - “Sustainable Rural Transformation Agenda for Africa’’ -  is consistent with the vision of AU/NEPAD which includes accelerated and diversified economic growth in rural areas with an expansion of employment and livelihood opportunities, an enhanced pace of reduction in rural poverty and in inequality both between rural and urban areas and enhanced environmental sustainability. 

From left to Right:  Mr Beavogui ( FIDA) Dr Mayaki, H.E Thomas Boni Yayi, Mrs Nardos Bekele Thomas, UNDP Resident  Representative to Benin and Pascal Koupaki, Benin Prime Minister at the opening of the Forum

The translation of this vision is expected to build on the foundation of successes and lessons from such AU initiatives as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Programme for Infrastructural Development in Africa (PIDA). Delegates to the Forum agreed on six key principles to guide rural transformation, which are outlined in the Cotonou Declaration.

Mrs Estherine  Fotabong, reading the Cotonou Declaration

Partnerships:

It was agreed that strong partnerships and coalitions are vital at all levels, including those at local levels, to steer and bring about rural transformation. To that end, the NEPAD Agency will continue taking leadership in mobilising multi-level partnerships in order to implement the rural development and transformation agenda forward.

Left to Right: Mrs Nardos Bekele Thomas, UNDP Resident Representative to Benin, Dr Mayaki, Mrs Madeleine Mukamabano, Forum facilitator,  Pascal Koupaki, Benin Prime Minister, Mr Hailu, CTA Executive Director

Outreach:

The Rural Futures will establish an Outreach Programme for the exchange of information and best practices on rural development from within Africa and from other parts of the world; and in particular generation and sharing of policy analyses.