The 16th Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting of the FAO Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa recently concluded in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The meeting, held from 14 to 16 November 2023, brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the theme of “Improving food systems and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable populations in the ECCAS region.” With the ECCAS region facing numerous challenges such as climate change, land degradation, conflict, migration, and rapid population growth, the meeting aimed to identify innovative solutions and formulate concrete recommendations to address the main bottlenecks to food and nutrition security.
Under the aegis of the Government of Cameroon, the official opening ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, H.E. Gabriel Mbairobe. The event was attended by high-level officials, including Honoré Tabuna, Commissioner for the Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development at the Commission of the Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and Abebe Haile-Gabriel, the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa.
Athman Mravili, the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Central Africa and Representative in Gabon, outlined the objectives of the session, emphasizing the importance of exchanging information, sharing good practices, and reflecting on priority themes to align FAO’s work with the needs and expectations of Central African countries. The MDT meeting provided a platform for experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to food security and resilience of populations in a sustainable manner.
During the meeting, participants focused on strategies to optimize and develop appropriate initiatives to improve food systems and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations in the ECCAS region. The discussions revolved around the Four Betters of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life. These principles underscored the need for inclusive, efficient, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.
The meeting highlighted the importance of addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges that impact food security. Factors such as climate change, land degradation, conflict, migration, and rapid population growth have put significant pressure on the region’s agrifood systems. With approximately 45% poverty rate, inadequate access to adequate food for 30% of the population, and 15% child malnutrition, there is a critical need for initiatives to strengthen people’s resilience.
The discussions also emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships, collaboration with non-governmental organizations and research institutions in reducing inequalities and promoting the development of inclusive agrifood systems. Participants reviewed FAO’s achievements, challenges, and progress with the aim of achieving the 2030 Agenda.
FAO’s portfolio in the sub-region has expanded with a total commitment of 190 operational and active projects amounting to USD 396 million. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tomé and Principe, and Gabon have the largest project portfolios.
The 16th MDT meeting of the FAO Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa provided a platform for in-depth discussions on improving food systems and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations in the ECCAS region. By addressing the challenges faced by Central African countries and identifying innovative solutions, the meeting aimed to pave the way for sustainable development and food security. The outcomes of the meeting will contribute to FAO’s ongoing efforts to support ECCAS countries through technical cooperation projects and promote the development of inclusive, efficient, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems in the region.
By Fawoh Nancy
Journalist | Blogger.
Source : https://legideononline.com
