CAADP
is an African-wide agenda designed to support the transformation of the
continent’s agriculture for sustained food security and socio-economic growth.
The annual continental forum brings together more
than 500 stakeholders in African agriculture – ranging from government, the
private sector, international development agencies, the African Union, civil
society and Regional Economic Communities.
“Our
top challenge remains that of changing the lives of our farmers that will
benefit all our fellow citizens by improving our collective food and nutrition
security. And of course this can only happen by tapping into the potential of
those who can most contribute to it. Our women have to be at the forefront,” says
Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer for the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD) Agency.
The
11th CAADP Partnership Platform is being held in the context of the
celebration of the year of women empowerment and after a landmark summit for
African agriculture last year in Malabo.
The
NEPAD Agency, as development agency of the African Union, is considered
critical for addressing challenges of achieving the Malabo goals with particular
attention for women.
Through
the Malabo Declaration, a recommitment to CAADP made by Heads of States in 2014,
the CAADP Partnership Platform also reaffirms the central role of farmers, men and
women, as well as small-medium entrepreneurs as key players to foster decisions
on matters of economic policy in Africa.
“By
strengthening the position of farmers, women and youth in the value chains we
should aim at reducing inequality and creating a more equitable society,” Dr
Mayaki said.
Mrs
Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African
Union Commission, echoed Dr Mayaki by stating the CAADP has put in place several
programmes on the ground that are yielding results, and are inclusive of
African citizens.
In
referring to the Malabo Declaration, Professor Edith de Vries, Director-General
at the South African Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
emphaised that all stakeholders need to hold themselves accountable in CAADP
for concrete results on the ground.
During
a media briefing, Dr Mayaki stated that the energy so far focused on the remobilisation
of African States towards participatory and improved planning processes in
agriculture, resulting in the design of more than 40 investment plans, some of
which were carried out at 100% with significant results.
Speaking
on the role of women in agriculture, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, NEPAD Director of
Programmes, said that CAADP has allowed a more structured way of thinking and planning
in the agricultural sector.
For
Africa to achieve its full potential in agriculture and development, women have
to be supported, encouraged and empowered through favourable policies,
platforms and various mechanisms.
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