FAO Regional Conference for Africa ends with firm pledges to transform agrifood systems

The 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa concluded with a powerful ministerial declaration calling for increased support to build resilience in African countries against climate shocks and to intensify cooperation for Blue Transformation in African aquaculture. The three-day conference in Rabat, hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco, brought together 54 African delegations, including Ministers of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry, as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, and development partner organizations.

The declaration highlighted concerns about Africa’s progress towards food security and nutrition goals, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals related to food security, malnutrition, and sustainable agriculture. The discussions were guided by the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, focusing on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life to support countries in achieving the SDGs.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the four betters and urged FAO to continue supporting the African Union in developing a post-Malabo strategy. They also called for enhanced support for agrifood systems transformation in specific regions and the implementation of the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa.

FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo emphasized the urgency of collaborative action to transform agrifood systems in Africa, highlighting the need for science, innovation, digital tools, and partnerships. The outcomes of the conference will shape FAO’s strategic planning in Africa for the next two years and will be presented at the FAO global conference later this year.

Overall, the conference underscored the importance of cooperation and shared learning to drive meaningful change for better production, nutrition, environment, and life in Africa. The success of the conference was attributed to the rich ideas, contributions, and experiences shared by all delegates, setting the stage for continued progress in agrifood systems transformation on the continent.