In a significant step forward, African leaders gathered at the Extraordinary AU Summit in Kampala, Uganda, to adopt the Kampala CAADP Declaration, setting an ambitious agenda to transform the continent’s agrifood systems. Aligned with the Malabo Declaration and the goals of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), this declaration emphasizes food security, sustainability, and resilience in addressing current agricultural and food challenges.
One Health approach to food security
A central pillar of the declaration is the strengthening of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. Leaders highlighted the critical role of implementing One Health approaches to safeguard the interdependent health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. This integrated approach aims to bolster food security, mitigate zoonotic disease risks, and enhance the resilience of ecosystems vital to sustainable food systems.
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), a specialised technical office of the African Union Commission (AUC), which reports directly to the AUC through the Department of Agriculture, Rural Economy, Fisheries and Environmental Sustainability (ARBE), will play a key role in supporting the implementation of these approaches, providing technical expertise and facilitating regional actions.
“Ensuring food security and environmental health is not just a priority but a necessity as Africa’s population continues to grow rapidly,” stated an AU representative at the summit. By prioritizing SPS standards, the declaration envisions a continent better equipped to protect its populations from health crises that could disrupt agrifood systems.
Eradication of PPR and tackling animal diseases
The Kampala Declaration also reaffirms the commitment to eradicating Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) by 2030, a critical initiative for Africa where livestock serves as a major source of income and food security. Eliminating PPR will not only reduce economic losses caused by this disease but also strengthen the resilience of rural communities heavily reliant on livestock. To achieve this goal, the declaration calls for:
- Investing in disease surveillance and reporting systems to detect and manage outbreaks effectively.
- Strengthening veterinary laboratories to provide timely and accurate diagnostics.
- Increasing vaccine production to ensure adequate coverage in affected regions.
- Improving cooperation on transboundary animal diseases, recognizing the need for coordinated regional action to address shared challenges.
AU-IBAR actively collaborates with member states to enhance veterinary infrastructure and promote vaccination campaigns, playing a crucial role in achieving this ambitious objective. As stated by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, “The transformation of our agrifood systems must be supported by strong regional mechanisms to ensure sustainability and resilience.”
Improving livestock nutrition through alternative feeds
Recognizing the challenges posed by climate change and resource constraints, the declaration emphasizes prioritizing research and development of improved fodder crop varieties. By promoting alternative feed sources, the initiative seeks to improve livestock nutrition while reducing dependence on traditional feed systems, which are increasingly under pressure from environmental and economic factors.
“Alternative feed solutions are essential to sustain livestock production in the face of rising feed costs and environmental degradation,” remarked an agricultural expert at the summit. This effort aligns with broader goals to ensure food and nutritional security for communities across Africa.
Strengthening fisheries and aquaculture value chains
In addition to addressing land-based agriculture, the Kampala Declaration highlights the untapped potential of Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. For instance, sustainable fisheries management initiatives in West Africa have notably increased fish stocks, enhancing food security and improving incomes for local communities. Leaders committed to:
- Strengthening value chains to boost productivity and market access.
- Promoting sustainable practices and resilience-building measures.
- Implementing effective management of aquatic resources to ensure their long-term sustainability.
These measures aim to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and nutritional security, particularly for coastal and inland communities heavily reliant on fisheries for their livelihoods.
A Vision for resilience and sustainability
The Kampala CAADP Declaration is a testament to Africa’s ambition to transform its agrifood systems into engines of growth, sustainability, and resilience. By addressing critical issues such as food security, disease control, livestock nutrition, and aquatic resource management, the declaration lays a solid foundation for achieving food security and improving livelihoods across the continent.
As implementation begins, attention will focus on how governments, regional organizations, and stakeholders translate these commitments into concrete actions. Initial steps include creating national agrifood investment plans, strengthening the capacities of regional veterinary laboratories, and implementing pilot projects for sustainable value chains. These initiatives aim to generate momentum for tangible and measurable outcomes benefiting Africa’s populations and ecosystems. As H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized, “This summit marks a decisive turning point in mobilizing resources and driving a continental dynamic for sustainable transformation.”
