At the extraordinary summit of the African Union (AU) held in Kampala, Uganda, Youcef Cherfa, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries of Algeria, highlighted the country’s key initiatives in agricultural development and sustainable food systems. This event is part of discussions on the post-Malabo Comprehensive Program for the Development of African Agriculture (CAADP). Accompanied by Bakhta Selma Mansouri, Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for African Affairs, Mr. Cherfa outlined Algeria’s efforts to address the continent’s agricultural challenges and promote sustainable solutions.
Innovative initiatives for sustainable agricultural development in Algeria
During his speech, Mr. Cherfa presented several strategic projects on which Algeria is committed to strengthen food security and improve agricultural systems on a national and continental scale. Notable initiatives include the training of human resources for sustainable management of natural resources, the implementation of an integrated agricultural management system, as well as the completion in 2024 of the General Census of Agriculture (RGA), a unprecedented project for the country which aims to obtain reliable data on the agricultural sector and strengthen strategic planning.
The minister stressed that this approach aims to improve the performance of the agricultural sector, while taking into account the environmental, economic and social issues of the country. Implementing these strategies contributes to inclusive and sustainable growth that supports agriculture while building resilience to climate challenges and food crises.
A call for enhanced cooperation for agricultural transformation in Africa
Mr. Cherfa also insisted on the need for strengthened continental cooperation to meet current challenges. According to him, it is imperative to create ambitious partnerships between African countries in order to improve the continent’s food systems. This cooperation is essential to promote inclusive agricultural development, improve productivity, and ensure sustainable food security across Africa.
He specified that Algeria is ready to share its experience and best agricultural practices with its African neighbors, in order to stimulate collective agricultural transformation. “Regional cooperation and knowledge exchange are crucial to addressing global agricultural challenges and ensuring a prosperous future for Africa,” he said.
Bilateral meetings and strengthened collaboration
-On the sidelines of this summit, Mr. Cherfa also plans to organize several bilateral meetings with African counterparts, as well as with representatives of regional organizations specializing in agriculture and food security. These meetings aim to deepen bilateral relations and discuss cooperation opportunities to support agricultural development in Africa.
The Kampala Declaration: a roadmap for African agriculture
The summit, which continues until January 11, 2025, addresses several essential topics for the future of agriculture in Africa, including the post-Malabo CAADP, which aims to redefine priorities for the continent’s agricultural development, and the action plan that will result from this. The discussions are expected to result in the adoption of the Kampala Declaration, a roadmap for the transformation of African agri-food systems and sustainable economic development in Africa. This declaration could be a strategic turning point for African agriculture, by providing concrete solutions to address the sector’s major challenges, while promoting sustainable investments and access for African producers to global markets.
Algeria as a model for a sustainable agricultural future in Africa
Algeria’s initiatives presented at the Kampala summit illustrate the country’s commitment to implementing sustainable agricultural policies and supporting rural development within Africa. By sharing its experience and successes, Algeria positions itself as a key player in African agricultural development, contributing to a more resilient continent in the face of climatic and economic challenges.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
