Non-state actors have called on African governments to adopt the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and maximise agricultural productivity.
The Continental CAADP Non-State Actors Chairperson, Chikondi Chabvuta Mkawa, made the remarks after attending a recent summit in Zambia, which sought to analyse the milestones achieved under the Malabo Declaration.
According to Mkawa, the conference also examined the adoption rate of the CAADP initiative by African governments, noting that while some countries have accelerated agricultural productivity, others are still lagging behind.
“The meeting in Zambia brought together non-state actors, and we were tasked with analysing what has worked and what has failed within the Malabo Declaration. Even though CAADP emerged in 2003 and the Malabo Declaration has been in effect since June 2024. we kept on identifying the key issues affecting agricultural productivity in Africa.
“What we unearthed during discussions with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders is that some African governments have deviated from the CAADP initiative, while others are implementing their agricultural policies not in line with CAADP. It is our sincere call that if we are to achieve food security for the continent, we must adopt and implement the CAADP initiative,” said Mkawa.
She further advocated for improved agricultural extension services, quality seeds, the inclusion of farmers in agricultural interfaces, and enhancing agricultural value chains to advance the agriculture sector in Africa.
CAADP is Africa’s policy framework for agricultural transformation, wealth creation, food security and nutrition, economic growth, and prosperity for all.
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