24th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council: statement by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA

Abstract

This statement delivered by Carlos Lopes UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at 24th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council. On his remark he highlighted that the average African farmer - mostly female, frail, with a small plot, and absolutely dependent on nature and the weather. He pointed out a truly transformational agricultural sector requires several prerequisites for a coherent policy drive. Let me propose a ‘6 R’ strategy. re-emphasize strategies and policies, reduce the vulnerability of millions of African small-scale farmers and consumers to high, volatile prices while increasing the resilience to shocks. redirect the planet climate change concerns, redefine industrial policy to avoid a blueprint approach, retain the opportunities presented to Africa for green growth, and finally, Africa must remain firm against unfair trade policies and protocols. ECA is already closely working with the governments of Bostwana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Mauritius to put in place such measures, through ECA’s proposed commodity based industrialization plans.