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NEPAD urges commitment to agricultural development

NEPAD urges commitment to agricultural development
Written by Florence Bupe in Midrand, South Africa
Friday, November 07, 2008 3:49:42 AM

IT is critical that we begin to define our own agenda as a continent for development
to be achieved, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) agriculture head Professor Richard Mkandawire has said.

Officiating at the NEPAD-CAADP (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme) media sensitisation workshop in Midrand yesterday, Prof Mkandawire said it was vital for African leaders to honour their commitment to the development of agriculture in their respective countries in order to attain food security.

“Over the last five years, we have seen complete turnaround in agriculture support from the international community, because they are willing to support an African initiative. CAADP is an African agenda, drafted by Africans, and driven by Africans,” Prof Mkandawire said. “However, the continent has continued to face the challenge of poverty.”

He revealed that despite the resources available to enhance food security, about 200 million Africans have continued to chronically face hunger every year.

Prof Mkandawire urged African leaders to place agriculture at the core of their development agenda.

And International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) head of Media Relations Michael Rubistein observed that the media has an important role to play in holding governments accountable to their pledges.

He said the media had the capacity to compel governments to respond to the needs of the people in all circles, including agriculture.

“What is needed for effective agriculture development is policy response. We should get governments to act and get involved in agriculture development,” said Rubestein. “The media are the gatekeepers, governments respond to what the media highlight. You (media) therefore have the task of ensuring that your respective governments implement the agriculture policies they have promised.”

The media workshop has drawn participants from across Africa.

Labels: NEPAD, RICHARD MKANDAWIRE

posted by MrK @ 3:51 AM