50 experts meet at IDEP to reflect on new agricultural development approaches

Abstract

The 50 experts meet at IDEP to reflect on new agricultural development approaches through different speakers, “Agriculture should be seen as a catalyst for several actions for the attainment of Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 goals, in that it should not only feed Africa but also create decent work, in particular for the youth,” said Mrs. BEN SOLTANE. According to Mrs. BEN SOLTANE, agricultural policies should reflect the transformative vision of African economies. All African countries have launched their agricultural transformation vision, and Ethiopia is not outdone. One of a participant underscored agricultural policy resilience. In that regard, the Minister-Counselor reassured participants by asserting that as far as Senegal is concerned, policies are formulated over twenty or so years. As set out by Mr. MENGISTIE, in 2011, Ethiopia set up its Agricultural Transformation Agency which was expected to exist for 15 to 20 years. The country also launched its agricultural growth and development plan whose 2016 – 2020 second phase is underway. As for AfDB, it supports the need for agricultural transformation throughout the continent by launching a priority program called “Feed Africa”: “The ADB’s approach focuses on developing value chains while building on catalysts such as productivity, infrastructure, financing, empowerment and youth employment,” added Mr. Hatem FELLAH. The discussions resulted in important recommendations for the transformation of agriculture across the continent, including the urgent need to improve research and development (R&D) and Action-Research in Africa, to enhance the agricultural statistics collection system and the capitalization of actors’ experiences.