The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has convened the Regional Joint Agricultural Sector Review (JSR) workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to assess the performance and outcomes of the agricultural sector across East Africa. This workshop, running from March 27 to 28, 2025, comes at a time when the region faces urgent challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, and economic disparities.
The main objective of the JSR is to provide an opportunity for both state and non-state stakeholders to evaluate the progress of their commitments in line with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) compacts, National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs), Regional Agriculture Investment Plans (RAIPs), and other related agreements. This workshop is an important platform for discussing strategies to improve agricultural policies, governance, and investment decisions to address the sector’s pressing challenges.
The theme of this year’s workshop, “Youth Involvement in the Agri-Food System,” highlights the critical role of the youth in transforming agriculture and food systems in East Africa. As the continent’s population continues to grow, there is an urgent need to tap into the potential of young people in agriculture. Engaging youth in agricultural activities not only supports food security but also contributes to the broader economic development of the region. The workshop will explore ways to empower youth to take leadership roles in the sector, ensuring they are active contributors rather than mere beneficiaries.
Mr. Jean Baptise Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, emphasized the importance of collaboration and accountability for achieving agricultural transformation. Speaking on behalf of the EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, he noted that the workshop’s goal is to identify actionable strategies that empower youth to lead in agriculture. This, he said, will help shape the future of agriculture in the region. He also highlighted that the workshop would provide a valuable opportunity for the region to collectively identify best practices and develop strategies for sustainable agricultural growth and food security.
The Director of Productive Sectors further stressed that the workshop was a critical step toward enhancing transparency, accountability, and coordination in agricultural policymaking and setting programmatic priorities. The outcomes of this workshop are expected to shape a strategic framework for future agricultural investments, reinforcing the EAC’s commitment to building sustainable food systems across the region.
The EAC has demonstrated a strong commitment to aligning the development and review of its agricultural and food security policies with the CAADP framework. Consultations at regional and partner state levels have shown strong support for the initiative to establish a regional agriculture JSR platform, a move that is welcomed by key stakeholders in the region.
Professor Jean Jacques Mbonigaba Muhinda, Regional Head for East Africa at AGRA, noted that the challenges facing the agricultural sector in the region require a collaborative approach. The JSR workshop, he said, is an invaluable opportunity to assess progress and strengthen partnerships. Through collective efforts and alignment of resources, the agricultural sector can achieve advancements in productivity and sustainability, ensuring long-term food security for East Africa’s growing population.
Over the course of the workshop, participants will engage in discussions and interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration and sharing of successful interventions. They will also evaluate progress against established benchmarks and explore new opportunities for investment and innovation in the agricultural sector. The workshop’s outcomes will contribute to informed policy-setting and programmatic priorities, reinforcing the EAC’s vision of creating a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural landscape in East Africa.
