By Kenneth Afor |
A convergence of delegates and experts fostering developments in various sectors in the continent’s economy have called on presidents and leaders in their respective countries to initiate policies that will promote growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
The delegates who converged via a webinar from different countries in the continent organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB), on the theme: Building Resilience in Food Systems and Agriculture Value Chains: Agricultural Policy Responses to Covid-19 in Africa’ was to commemorate the 57 anniversary of Africa Day.
Last month, the United Nation’s (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) warned that millions of people residing in developing and underdeveloped countries will experience ‘hunger pandemic’ if necessary actions are not taking to address the impending danger that will suffice in the agricultural sector as a result of the global pandemic.
In a press release issued by the development bank delegates call on African leaders to leverage on technology in ramping up agricultural production with joint efforts from the private sector in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Noting that Covid-19 has fast-tracked the transition to the 4th Industrial Revolution era, participants also called on African governments to scale up technology for agriculture production, including private sector-led initiatives, to build resilience and grow the sector to self-sufficiency,” it stated.
To achieve huge progress in the sector, the delegate urged leaders to give utmost priority to agriculture just as they do for their national security, set up more agricultural research institute as well as a special fund for the sector.
Also, they call for merger of the agriculture ministry with environment, trade and industry and health which should culminate to ‘One Health Ministry’.
Africa over the years have largely dependent on imported foods for consumption and due to lockdown of economic activities which has paralysed importation thereby distorting the food supply chain, it has caused shortages of food supply across the continent.
It is on this premise that delegates want leaders to adopt a holistic approach in tackling food crisis by “Establishing green corridors and domestic food systems and keep inter-regional food supply chains open during the pandemic.”
However, they disputed the “Introduction of trade or non-trade barriers saying that it’s not a welcome policy in Africa, especially during the pandemics.”
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