NAN-AE-14
Hunger
By Okon Okon
Abuja, Feb. 22, 2017 (NAN) The AU Commission (AUC) has reiterated its commitment to end hunger in African countries through implementation of the Malabo Declaration initiative by 2025.
Mr Ernest Ruzindaza, Team Leader, Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) of AUC disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a Workshop on National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP).
“As you know, AU Heads of States and Governments in June 2014 made a firm commitment to accelerate agricultural growth and transformation to lift the continent out of poverty through the Malabo declaration.
“Specifically, they have committed to end hunger by 2025.
“As a continent to double agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest loses to half and achieve agriculture-led industrialisation, among others.
“As you are aware, our Africa agenda 2063, “the Africa we want’’ and its first aspiration reads, “A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“Let me thank the government of Nigeria through the Minister of Agriculture for a strong leadership in championing agriculture transformation in the continent.’’
Mr Ernest Aubee, Head of Agriculture Division, ECOWAS Commission, commended the members-states and other international stakeholders in agriculture for their role in the sector.
“This meeting is a very important meeting and is very timely, it is coming at a time when Nigeria, the leading member of ECOWAS region has adopted its new agricultural promotion policy also called the “Green Alternative’’.
“The ECOWAS region has also adopted the regional agriculture investment plan for food and nutrition security.
“In the light of this development, we view this meeting as very timely and very relevant; this meeting is an important one for stock taking of the first generation of NAIP in Nigeria.’’
Also, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Chief Audu Ogbeh tasked the ECOWAS members’ states on sustainable agricultural policy in the continent.
Represented by Mr Azeez Olamuyiwa, Director, Agriculture Business Processing and Marketing, in the ministry, Ogbeh said the Malabo initiative required member-states to adopt the NAIP and CAADP Country Team Structure in their agricultural policy.
Ogbeh charged member-states to embrace the CAADP result framework and the biennial agricultural review process’’ as the principle of harmonisation and streamlining of inter-related policies in Africa.
“ Accordingly, the principle of harmonisation and streamlining of inter-related policies and programmes would necessitate the review of the CAADP National Agricultural Investment Plan along with new targets and emerging issues.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2014 declaration was a commitment adopted by AU Heads of States and Governments to provide effective leadership for the achievement of specific goals by the year 2025. (NAN)
MZM/LAB/MO
==========Edited by Lydia Beshel