NEPAD calls for increased commitment to agriculture
By Florence Bupe
Thu 19 Nov. 2009, 04:00 CAT
THE New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has called for increased commitment by political players to the agriculture sector in developing economies.
NEPAD agricultural advisor Professor Richard Mkandawire observed that African countries needed to substantially increase their agricultural output for enhanced economic growth.
He indicated that NEPAD and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) had partnered to help African countries increase agricultural productivity.
“NEPAD and AGRA are poised to scale up successes in countries across sub-Saharan Africa as they join forces to boost agricultural productivity. The two African led initiatives both recognise that to achieve food security and spur economic development, African countries need to substantially raise the productivity, incomes and sustainability of millions of small holder farmers,” he said.
Prof Mkandawire disclosed that NEPAD had mobilised political support among African governments to prioritise and invest in agriculture.
He expressed contentment that African countries that had signed the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) had made significant progress in improving their agriculture sectors.
He, however, noted that there was still much more that needed to be done to develop the sector.
“Critically, CAADP pledges African governments to devote at least 10 per cent of their national budgets to agriculture, in pursuit of six per cent annual agricultural growth. Progress has been meaningful, with 12 countries signing the CAADP compacts, but much more remains to be done as mounting pressures of population growth, climate change and global food price volatility continue to work against African food security,” he said.
Prof Mkandawire stressed that the greatest challenge facing most African countries was the transformation of the continent’s agriculture sector and its ultimate self reliance.
Labels: AGRICULTURE, FOOD, NEPAD, RICHARD MKANDAWIRE
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Africa should be market for its commodities, observes NEPAD
Written by Florence Bupe
Saturday, November 15, 2008 4:43:42 AM
AFRICA should view itself as a big market for its own commodities, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) agriculture head Professor Richard Mkandawire has advised.
Prof Mkandawire observed that the projected increase in demand for staples over the next 10 years should make African countries seize the opportunity to export their produce within their regions, and the continent.
“There will be a huge demand for staples over the next 10 years, especially by the urban population, due to the continued trend of urbanisation,” he said.
Prof Mkandawire advised African countries to address barriers to the free flow of products as they were an impediment to development.
“If we close borders and impose barriers, we are hindering the free flow of commodities, thereby continuing the circle of poverty and hunger in Africa,” he said.
Prof Mkandawire said African countries should institute policies that would encourage the flow of commodities from surplus to deficit regions.
He observed that current export bans on selected commodities and market protectionism were negatively impacting on the fight against poverty.
Prof Mkandawire further called for the involvement of farmers in policy formulation, observing that peasant farmers were usually sidelined in decision-making processes.
“Policy makers need to realise that farmers are knowledgeable about the environment, and therefore, there is need to get them involved in research, they should not just be subjects of research and policies. This will help reduce poverty at grass root level,” said Prof Mkandawire.
Labels: AGRICULTURE, FOOD, NEPAD, RICHARD MKANDAWIRE
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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
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