Posted on April, 2, 2025 at 07:34 am
AS the region grapples with pressing challenges such as food insecurity, climate change and economic disparities, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), convened the Regional Joint Agricultural Sector Review (JSR) workshop to assess the performance and outcomes of the agricultural sector.
Held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, the objective of the JSR was to provide both state and nonstate stakeholders with the opportunity to evaluate their implementation of commitments as outlined in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) compacts, National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs), Regional Agriculture Investment Plans (RAIPs) and other related cooperation agreements.
The two-day workshop, with a special theme on “Youth Involvement in the Agri-Food System,” also focused on the vital role that youth play in transforming agriculture and food systems in East Africa.
As the continent’s population continues to grow, harnessing the potential of young people in agriculture is becoming essential for achieving sustainable food security and economic development.
The workshop further assessed the performance and results of the agricultural sector, helping governments and regional economic communities set sectoral policies and programmatic priorities.
Specifically, it also evaluated how well state and non-state stakeholders have implemented the pledges and commitments outlined in the CAADP compacts.
During the opening session, the Director of Productive Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, Mr Jean Baptiste Havugimana underscored the importance of collaboration and accountability in achieving agricultural transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the EAC Deputy SecretaryGeneral in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Mr Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, Mr Havugimana said that one of the main objectives of the workshop was to identify actionable strategies that can empower young people to take on leadership roles within the sector, ensuring that they are not just beneficiaries, but key players in shaping the future of agriculture in the region.
Mr Havugimana further explained that the workshop provides an opportunity for the region to collectively identify best practices and develop strategies to drive sustainable agricultural growth and food security.
“The outcomes of this workshop will contribute to shaping a strategic framework for future agricultural investments and initiatives, reinforcing the EAC’s commitment to achieving sustainable food systems in the region,” added Mr Havugimana.
He also noted that the EAC has shown a strong commitment to align the development, implementation and review of its agricultural and food security policies, plans and strategies with the principles and framework of CAADP.
“Consultations at the regional and partner state levels clearly indicate that key stakeholders support the community’s initiative to establish a regional agriculture JSR platform,” he said.
On his part, the Regional Head for East Africa at AGRA, Professor Jean Jacques Muhinda stressed that the challenges facing the agricultural sector in the region require collaborative action.
“The JSR workshop is an invaluable opportunity to assess our progress and strengthen our partnerships. We are all stakeholders in this journey and by aligning our resources and efforts, we can make significant strides in productivity and sustainability.
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Together, we can ensure that agriculture not only supports our economies but also meets the food needs of our populations for generations to come,” said Prof Muhinda.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in a series of discussions and interactive sessions designed to foster a collaborative environment. They evaluated progress against established benchmarks, share successful interventions and identified new opportunities for investment and innovation in the agricultural sector.
The outcomes of the workshop will significantly contribute to shaping sector policies and programmatic priorities, reinforcing the EAC’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable agricultural landscape that meets the needs of all stakeholders.
Source: Daily News