Maravi

ACTESA identifies key areas of investment in agricultural trade

ACTESA identifies key areas of investment in agricultural trade
By Fridah Zinyama
Mon 12 Apr. 2010, 04:00 CAT

ALLIANCE for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) chief executive officer, Dr Cris Muyunda has identified key areas that need priority investments to promote regional agricultural trade in eastern and southern Africa.

During a regional agriculture and food security forum in Livingstone that ran from April 6-9, 2010, Dr Muyunda said ACTESA had identified the areas that needed priority investments in order to promote agricultural trade and increase productivity.

The forum, hosted by the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union, was held to facilitate discussions on enabling private sector led agricultural development with government support in the Southern Africa region.

“The identified priority investment areas would help create strong partnerships with the World Food Programme (WFP) market programmes, incorporate innovative technologies and focus on specific commodities that support the livelihood of the region,” he said.

ACTESA’s focus commodity groups include, cereals and pulses; roots and tubers, oilseeds, livestock and fisheries; forest and natural resource products; horticulture; tree crops and agricultural inputs.

Dr Muyunda said there was need to address some structural constraints in the region that were preventing producers from fully taking advantage of the opportunities and available regional markets.

He said ACTESA would table concerns that needed addressing to the ministers of agriculture and parliamentarians in the region, as part of its comprehensive strategy to tackle issues faced by small-scale farmers.

Dr Muyunda noted that agricultural growth was pertinent as it was the best way to reduce poverty.

He said the key elements for a green revolution in the region included focus on small-holder farmers, integrated farming systems, improved harvesting, storage and processing, value chain enhancement and improved access to credit and markets.

Labels: ACTESA, AGRICULTURE, CHRIS MUYUNDA

posted by MrK @ 4:10 AM