ACE4ES Consortium Highlights Key Takeaways from the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum
Kigali, Rwanda – September 2024:
The Agroecology and Circular Economy for Ecosystem Services in Sub-Saharan Africa (ACE4ES) project consortium actively participated in the 2024 Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum, contributing to high-level discussions on strengthening Africa’s food systems. Key takeaways from the forum underscored the importance of political commitment, policy coherence, and strategic partnerships in driving the future of agriculture in Africa.
1. Strengthening Political Commitment to Agricultural Investment Policies:
As Africa enters a new phase of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), it is crucial to strengthen political commitment to shared agricultural investment frameworks, such as the Malabo Declaration. Renewed dedication to these policies will ensure that Africa remains on track to meet its agricultural and food security goals in the years ahead.
2. Fostering Policy and Action Coherence:
Vertical and horizontal coherence in policy and action is essential for overcoming fragmentation and conflict in sectoral policy implementations. By aligning national and regional policies, African countries can create a unified strategy that ensures more effective implementation across the continent.
3. Embracing Triangular Cooperation:
The forum highlighted the significance of South-South and South-North triangular cooperation as critical drivers of investment for Africa’s food systems. Such cooperation facilitates knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and investment, allowing Africa to leverage global expertise while building local capacity.
4. Unlocking the Potential of Public-Private-Civil Society Partnerships:
Public-private partnerships, together with civil society organizations, are vital to the innovation, acceleration, and scaling agenda discussed at AFS 2024. These partnerships can be a game changer, fostering innovation and expanding the impact of agricultural programs across Africa.
5. Investing in Emission Reduction for a Resilient Future:
Targeted investment in reducing agriculture-associated emissions and pollution will not only enhance resilience, productivity, and environmental sustainability but also improve respiratory health outcomes for populations affected by agricultural pollution. This integrated approach was emphasized as a key area for future focus.
About ACE4ES Consortium:
The ACE4ES consortium, led by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), consists of diverse partners committed to driving sustainable agricultural practices in Sub-Saharan Africa. Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana leads civil society advocacy, while Benin’s Youth Initiative for Land in Africa serves as the Youth and Women Team Lead, and Africa Rice Centre represents CGIAR. Together, the consortium collaborates with country-level members of Chambers of Agribusinesses and Private Sector Federations to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce emissions, and improve livelihoods.
For more information about the ACE4ES project and its initiatives, visit www.ace4es.org.
Contact Information:
Kwaku Onwona-Hwesofour Asante (PhD) Research Scientist, CSIR-CRI
ACE4ES Project Consortium
