Abuja: The African Union (AU) and Nigeria are actively working together to improve agriculture and increase food production across Africa through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) initiative. This partnership aims to transform the continent’s agricultural landscape by implementing strategies that promote growth and sustainability.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, CAADP was adopted by the African Union Heads of State and Government in 2003 as a framework to drive accelerated growth and transformation within Africa’s agricultural sector. Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the significance of the CAADP initiative during a validation workshop for the 2022 – 2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review Report and the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan 2025 – 2027 held in Abuja.
Ogunbiyi highlighted that the primary goal of CAADP is to transform African agriculture to achieve food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth. The initiative commits to a six per cent growth rate and allocates 10 per cent of the national budget to agriculture. The focus is on boosting agricultural productivity, increasing public investment, and promoting sustainable growth within the sector.
He urged stakeholders to adopt CAADP as a blueprint to empower farmers, enhance food security, and drive economic growth. Ogunbiyi also pointed out Nigeria’s substantial investments in agriculture, which include launching Special Agro-Processing Zones in states like Kaduna, Cross Rivers, and Oyo to increase production, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.
In addition, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu, Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, stated that the workshop aimed to establish a roadmap for Nigeria’s Agri-Food System. He noted that agriculture is a critical component of the nation’s economy and essential for achieving food security and sustainable development.
Blessing Akhile, Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor at ActionAid Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the validation workshop in strengthening ownership and accountability. She reiterated ActionAid’s commitment to supporting inclusive agricultural development and ensuring policies benefit smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.
Akhile added that the National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan is crucial for transforming Nigeria’s agrifood system, aligning with the AU Malabo commitments and the upcoming Kampala declaration. She commended the Ministry and partners for their efforts and assured continued collaboration to build a resilient and sustainable food system for Nigeria.