The African Union (AU) Agriculture Ministers recently convened in Kampala, Uganda, for an Extraordinary Summit, where they adopted a 10-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan aimed at advancing agricultural transformation and improving food systems across the continent. This new strategy, which will span from 2026 to 2035, is a key step toward implementing the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation, adopted in 2014. The strategy’s development has been a collaborative effort, involving African experts, farmers’ organizations, development partners, and various stakeholders, including youth and women in agriculture.
The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan is designed to address critical challenges facing Africa’s agricultural sector, such as food insecurity, climate change, and economic disruptions. Over 280 million Africans currently suffer from chronic hunger, and the continent faces increasing demand for food due to rapid population growth. The strategy aims to drive economic growth, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods by promoting climate-resilient agriculture, fostering partnerships, and empowering smallholder farmers.
One of the central goals of the strategy is to reduce Africa’s dependence on food imports, which currently cost the continent up to USD 100 billion annually. The strategy aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous and sustainable Africa. It emphasizes transforming agriculture into a leading driver of economic growth, achieving food security, and improving nutrition. Additionally, the strategy aims to stimulate investment in agriculture, improve infrastructure, reduce food waste, and promote regional trade in agricultural goods.
The strategy also highlights the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized groups have access to resources and opportunities in the agricultural sector. It is expected to create millions of jobs, especially for young people, and promote the development of sustainable agrifood value chains. By enhancing resilience and sustainability, the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan will help build agricultural systems that can withstand both current and future challenges.
Ethiopia’s commitment to the CAADP framework was highlighted during the summit. The country has integrated CAADP principles into its national agricultural investment plan, significantly increasing public investment in agriculture. Ethiopia has met the CAADP target of 6% annual growth in agriculture, contributing to improved crop yields and enhanced food and livestock production.
Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, who chaired the drafting of the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan, stressed the importance of moving from planning to implementation. He emphasized the need for technological advancements, climate-resilient agricultural systems, and agro-industrialization to achieve the strategy’s goals. The successful implementation of the strategy will require coordinated efforts across all AU member states, with a focus on practical, actionable steps that will lead to tangible improvements in Africa’s agricultural landscape.
The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan represents a significant opportunity for Africa to transform its agricultural sector and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for its people. With a clear focus on investment, inclusivity, and resilience, the strategy provides a roadmap for achieving the continent’s agricultural and food security goals over the next decade.
