AU Agricultural Policy Dialogue

The existing Continental Agricultural Policy Framework requires accelerated adaptation to the numerous continental and global challenges. The expiring Malabo Declaration, the previous common framework for agricultural growth and sustainable development, must be renewed in 2024 and a framework supported by the 55 member states of the African Union must be developed. Due to the lack of achievement of some of the objectives, the African Union Commission wants to play a stronger role in the implementation of the frameworks.

The APD aims to support the AUC Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Aquatic Economy and Environmental Management (AUC-DARBE) in developing and adopting new continental guidelines for resilient agri-food systems (GRASS) based on the objectives of the United Nations Food Systems Summit and the common African position on food systems. Furthermore, the project seeks to accelerate the transformation and strengthening of food systems at the level of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and African Union (AU) member states through a support programme (ISM-PRASS) to be developed by the AU Commission.

As part of this co-operation, the APD will serve as a platform to facilitate and strengthen the joint exchange of knowledge, experience, technology and skills in areas of mutual interest. The project will directly support the launch of the Strategy Development Programme for promoting resilient agri-food systems. The main target groups are the AUC, Regional Economic Communities and the agri-food sector of the member countries.

Results and Successes

The project started with a one-year inception phase, during which mechanisms will be established for engagement of key stakeholders for agrifood systems transformation within the African Union and its member states. The inception phase will also serve for critical assessments on gaps and opportunities related to the implementation status of agricultural strategies, action and investment plans.