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By Godfrey Olukya 24-1-2013
The African continent has greatly improved in the agriculture sector and the output of food has increased tremendously.
According to African Union’s Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, commendable progress has been achieved in the agricultural sector on the continent.
Addressing the press in Addis-Ababa Tumusiime said the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), was making unprecedented and continuing efforts to advance the areas of agriculture for food security and nutrition as well as on areas of sustainable development.
She highlighted three broad inter-related core and strategic development areas that guided her department’s work, namely: Advancing the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) through mobilization of political, technical and financial support, Promotion of sustainable management of the environment and natural resources and enhanced coordination of the implementation of related flagship projects pursuant to relevant AU Decisions.
Tumusiime said, ‘A scan through the specific progress made in individual countries, showed that notable achievements had been registered in improving agricultural productivity and trade in Africa.’
She also said that most of the continent has registered a stable food security environment over the last 4 years.
She said, ‘From the different country household survey reports covering the entire continent, there has been a notable increase in the incomes of many agricultural households. These positive changes and shifts can be attributed to CAADP-based and incentive-oriented agricultural policy and institutional reforms that have been undertaken by AU Member States in the recent past with the support of the AUC, and other Pan African Institutions together with development partners.’
She stressed the importance of putting women at the centre of agriculture and food security.
‘We’re moving the agenda of women forward and in fact the current Chairperson of the AUC, H.E Madame Dlamini-Zuma has prioritized women in the Commission’s strategic focus and operations, she said.
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