African Union launches agricultural strategy to increase food security

A farmer applies conservation agriculture techniques, emphasizing soil cover, minimal disturbance, and crop diversity.
Photo:Berthold Malyata / GIZ Namibia

The African Union (AU) has launched the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan for 2026–2035, aiming to enhance food production, increase agricultural trade, and reduce post-harvest losses across the continent.

Speaking at the launch in Kempton Park, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, emphasized the importance of agriculture in Africa’s development.

AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Moses Vilakati

“Agriculture is not just about production,” Vilakati said. “It involves processing, distribution, and consumption, which are crucial for building sustainable food systems.”

The CAADP Strategy continues the commitments made under the Maputo (2003) and Malabo (2014) Declarations, focusing on integrating agriculture into national policies to address hunger and achieve food security.

The strategy also highlights climate resilience, calling for member states to allocate up to 9% of their national budgets to climate adaptation measures in agriculture.

Nardos Bekele, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, called for broad stakeholder engagement in implementing the strategy. “The success of this plan depends on the active involvement of governments, the private sector, civil society, and smallholder farmers,” Bekele stated.

The African Union is urging member states to adopt the strategy to ensure effective implementation across the continent.