The 2025 FANRPAN Node Common Visioning Meeting reaffirmed our collective commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and impact-driven network that effectively shapes Africa’s agri-food systems policies. As we engaged in strategic reflections over two days, a critical message emerged—collaboration is no longer optional; it is imperative. A key focus of our discussions was network sustainability and institutional strengthening, recognizing the urgent need to enhance the operational capacity of FANRPAN’s regional secretariat and nodes.
The meeting provided a platform to align our shared vision with ongoing policy frameworks, including FANRPAN’s 2025-2035 Strategy, which is in its finalization phase, and the evolving CAADP 3.0 (2026-2035) agenda (i.e., Kampala Declaration). The lessons drawn from past declarations—Maputo (2003) and Malabo (2014) emphasize the shift from policy formulation to effective implementation, particularly at the national and sub-national levels, where real impact is felt.
Currently, smallholder farmers contribute over 70% of Africa’s food production, yet many remain excluded from structured policy processes and lack access to knowledge, markets, sustainable financing models; as examples. To address this, FANRPAN and its network will prioritize capacity-building, strategic resource mobilization, and governance strengthening, ensuring that the Network is well-positioned to drive evidence-based policy engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration. This will be complemented by a coordinated effort to enhance financial sustainability and institutional resilience, fostering a more robust and self-sustaining network capable of delivering long-term and lasting impact.
Policy influence and research evidence uptake were also central to our discussions, with an emphasis on policy mapping, targeted advocacy, and improved linkages between research and decision-making. Studies indicate that Africa loses between 30-50% of its agricultural yields due to climate-related shocks and inadequate policy implementation. To counter this, FANRPAN regional secretariat and nodes committed to conducting joint policy analyses, publishing collaborative research outputs, and developing actionable policy briefs that align with national development priorities. Additionally, structured learning platforms, common communications and knowledge community of practice, joint grants applications, including the revival of FANRPAN’s policy impact training programs, will be established to equip stakeholders with tools for policy analysis, monitoring, and implementation.
Another key outcome of the meeting was the need to strengthen the domestication of the AUCs continental protocols by the RECs and members States. For example, the intra-African trade in agricultural products, leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Currently, Africa imports over $35 billion worth of food annually, despite having vast agricultural potential. This paradox calls for protocol domestication and policy harmonization to ensure improved market access for smallholder farmers, and increased investments in agro-industrialization. FANRPAN will work with national policy nodes to support national governments in implementing trade facilitation strategies that promote regional food trade and value chain development.
Additionally, the meeting underscored the importance of attracting youth into agriculture, given that over 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. With digital transformation and smart agriculture on the rise, it is imperative to leverage technology-driven solutions, entrepreneurship models, and tailored capacity-building initiatives to make agriculture more attractive and profitable for young people. FANRPAN will work closely with partners to integrate artificial intelligence, climate-smart and nutritional sensitive agriculture innovations, and digital platforms into policy discussions, ensuring that youth-led innovations are at the forefront of Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Moving forward, FANRPAN will implement key resolutions from this meeting, including a half-day workshop on CAADP 3.0 to build capacity across Network’s nodes, the development of a research and policy impact training program, and the expansion of resource mobilization strategies through innovative financing models. While the 2025-2035 Strategy is still in its finalization stage, the insights gained from this meeting will further inform its strategic focus and ensure that it is aligned with national, regional, and continental priorities.
As we progress, it is clear that Africa’s agri-food systems transformation cannot be achieved in silos. The success of our network lies in our ability to collaborate effectively, align our strategies with continental priorities, and drive policy implementation that delivers tangible impact. I encourage all our partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together in advancing this agenda. Only through evidence-based action, strengthened institutions, and inclusive policies can we achieve a food-secure, climate-resilient, and economically sustainable Africa.
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