By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia:
Non-State actors have been singled out as key towards securing food security for African countries in line with aspirations embedded in the Africa Agriculture Transformation Agenda.
Director for the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union Janet Edeme the players are crucial in programme delivery and fostering mutual accountability.
She was speaking as countries prepared for the Kampala Declaration, a 10-year implementation plan of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
- Advertisement -
“They [non-State actors] serve as a bridge between government initiatives and local communities, often implementing on-the-ground projects that turn policy into practice,” Edeme stated.
- Advertisement -
Co-Chair of the non- State actors group Henry Augustus Roberts highlighted the significant responsibilities they hold in achieving the commitments.
“Each constituency has its key responsibilities and roles. We must now develop new and updated national agriculture investment plans, with NSAs fully participating in these processes,” Roberts said.
ActionAid International Project Manager for Scaling-up Public Investment in Agriculture Constance Okeke stated that enhanced collaboration between governments and NSAs is key to advancing tangible growth in Africa’s agrifood systems.
“We should promote investment in agrifood system transformation, policy advocacy, and capacity building for all NSAs,” Okeke advised.
- Advertisement -
Policy Advocacy and Communications Officer for the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network Kanto Razafimandimby echoed the need to broaden awareness on the commitments beyond State actors.
“The next decade should build on the successful engagement of NSAs, empowering them further to shape and monitor policies that meet community needs, thus creating a foundation for transparent and inclusive growth,” she said.
