NAIROBI, Kenya, May 21 – Agriculture and Livestock Development Principal Secretary Paul Rono has called for a renewed focus on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Speaking at a three-day stakeholder engagement, Rono emphasized the need for innovation and adaptation to meet the CAADP commitments and achieve the goals outlined in the African Agenda 2063.
He pointed out that global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, disease pandemics, and economic downturns, coupled with changes in Africa’s agri-food systems due to demographic shifts, urbanization, technological advancements, and evolving dietary habits, necessitate a revitalized approach.
“Despite this progress, immense challenges remain, and more still need to be done. Successive CAADP-Malabo Biennial Reviews since 2017 indicate that only one country is on track to meet the Malabo Commitments. This challenge is exacerbated by global issues, including climate change, geopolitical tensions and conflicts, disease pandemics, and economic downturns,” he said.
The CAADP, established nearly two decades ago following the Maputo Declaration in 2003, has driven significant progress in Africa’s agricultural and economic sectors.
This progress includes increased agricultural growth, reduced poverty and malnutrition, expanded agricultural trade, and enhanced public investment in agriculture.
The PS, however, noted that despite these achievements, only one African country is currently on track to meet the Malabo Commitments, according to successive CAADP-Malabo Biennial Reviews since 2017.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to collaborating with member states, particularly those from the Eastern bloc, to define and advance both the continental and regional agricultural transformation agendas.
