In recent years, Africa has faced an escalating crisis of food insecurity driven by the depletion of natural resources, climate shocks, and environmental degradation. The situation has reached a tipping point as unsustainable agricultural practices, soil degradation, shrinking water resources, and erratic weather patterns have combined to reduce agricultural productivity and undermine food systems across the continent. In response to these growing challenges, the African Union (AU) convened an Extraordinary Summit in Kampala, Uganda, from January 9-11, 2025. The summit culminated in the adoption of the Kampala CAADP Declaration, which outlines a transformative strategy for overhauling Africa’s agrifood systems over the next decade.

Africa is blessed with abundant natural resources, fertile lands, and a predominantly agrarian population. However, the pressure on these resources has reached critical levels. Agricultural land is degrading rapidly due to unsustainable practices, deforestation, and desertification. Water resources are being strained by climate variability, pollution, and over-extraction. Additionally, biodiversity loss is threatening the resilience of ecosystems that support food production. The consequences are severe. Millions of farmers are struggling to sustain their livelihoods as soil fertility declines, water becomes scarce, and crop yields dwindle. Compounding these issues are rising food demands due to rapid population growth and urbanization, making food security an ever-greater challenge.

The Kampala CAADP Declaration outlines a bold, comprehensive approach to reversing these trends and creating sustainable agrifood systems that can meet Africa’s growing needs while protecting its natural resources. The declaration sets ambitious targets to be achieved by 2035, including:

-Boosting Agricultural Productivity: Increasing agrifood output by 45% through sustainable intensification and modernization of agricultural practices.

-Reducing Post-Harvest Losses: Halving food losses by improving storage, transportation, and processing infrastructure.

-Sustainable Land Management: Ensuring 30% of agricultural land is managed sustainably to combat soil degradation and desertification.

-Achieving Zero Hunger: Eliminating hunger and reducing malnutrition rates by 25%.

-Mobilizing Investments: Securing $100 billion in public and private sector investments to modernize and innovate in the agricultural sector.

The transformation envisioned by the Kampala Declaration places a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Women, youth, and vulnerable populations are prioritized for participation in agricultural value chains and decision-making processes. The AU aims to ensure that 30% of agricultural roles and leadership positions are occupied by women and youth, fostering equitable development.

Moreover, the strategy includes measures to shield 40% of rural households from environmental and economic shocks. This will be achieved through the introduction of climate-resilient farming practices, improved safety nets, and the diversification of income sources for smallholder farmers.

The successful implementation of the Kampala Declaration will hinge on a coordinated approach across several key areas:

– Governance and Policy Reform: Strengthening governance frameworks for agrifood systems to improve resource management, transparency, and accountability. This includes harmonizing policies across member states to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

-Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to reduce vulnerability to climate shocks. This includes the development of drought-resistant crop varieties, improved irrigation systems, and agroforestry initiatives.

-Technological Innovation: Harnessing digital and technological innovations to enhance productivity and sustainability. Precision farming technologies, mobile-based extension services, and data analytics are among the tools that will play a crucial role in this transformation.

-Intra-Continental Trade: Strengthening regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to improve market access for farmers and reduce dependency on food imports. The declaration aims to triple intra-continental agrifood trade by 2035.

-Investment in Infrastructure: Building and upgrading infrastructure for storage, processing, and transportation to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure efficient supply chains.

The success of this ambitious strategy will require the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including governments, private sector players, civil society, regional institutions, and development partners. The AU has emphasized the need for partnerships to drive innovation, mobilize resources, and build capacity across the continent.

Several African countries have already made strides in transforming their agrifood systems, offering valuable lessons for the continent as a whole. For instance, Ethiopia’s climate-resilient agriculture initiatives have significantly improved food security in vulnerable regions. Kenya’s digital farming platforms have empowered smallholder farmers with real-time data and market access, boosting productivity and incomes. Similarly, Nigeria’s focus on agribusiness development has spurred job creation and economic growth. These success stories highlight the importance of innovation, collaboration, and strong policy frameworks in driving agricultural transformation. The Kampala Declaration builds on these successes while scaling up efforts to achieve continental food security.

Despite the optimism surrounding the Kampala Declaration, significant challenges remain. Financing the ambitious strategy will be a monumental task, requiring sustained political will and robust investment from both the public and private sectors. Additionally, addressing land tenure issues, combating corruption, and fostering regional cooperation will be critical to success. Another major challenge is building the capacity of smallholder farmers to adopt new technologies and practices. Education and training programs will be essential to empower farmers to embrace innovative solutions and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

The AU’s commitment to transforming agrifood systems represents a crucial step toward ensuring food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in Africa. The Kampala Declaration is not just a policy document; it is a call to action for governments, farmers, investors, and communities to work together for a shared future of prosperity and resilience. By addressing the root causes of resource depletion and food insecurity, Africa can build a sustainable agrifood system that not only meets the needs of its growing population but also protects the environment and empowers communities. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with unity, innovation, and determination, Africa can overcome these obstacles and become a global leader in sustainable agriculture.