In a determined effort to reverse the climate change, conflict, and economic instability that are relentlessly exacerbating food insecurity, leaving millions vulnerable in the continent, key African organizations, with the backing of the World Bank, have convened in Addis Ababa to forge a robust path toward resilience.
The African Union Commission (AUC), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) officially launched the First High-Level Learning Event on the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa.
This three-day gathering, commencing March 4, 2025, serves as a critical platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging innovative ideas, and strategically planning the implementation of the FSRP.
Speaking at the event, an IGAD’s Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Abebaw Bihonegn emphasized the urgent need to abandon traditional approaches and embrace a comprehensive food systems perspective.
"It is a sad reality that food insecurity exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and economic instability remains a significant challenge in Africa. For us, it is already clear that we will not be able to address this complex challenge with Business-as-usual practices. This is why the IGAD region has decided to fully embrace the food systems approach to rise to the challenges."
He highlighted the FSRP as a key program being implemented with World Bank support.
Professor Lala Aimé Razafinjara, CCARDESA Board Chairperson, expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government for hosting the pivotal event.
He underscored its importance in providing FSRP-implementing countries and sub-regional bodies with a strategic opportunity to share knowledge, exchange innovative ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of the program's holistic objectives.
"It is an opportunity to improve our comprehension of our roles and how we need to work together to improve food systems resilience in the entire continent. We look forward to joining hands with FSRP West Africa to facilitate learning from all corners of the continent,” he pinpointed.
For her part, the World Bank Operations Manager to Ethiopia, Juliana Victor (PhD), reiterated the World Bank’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives that bolster food security and nutrition across the continent.
She acknowledged the significant commitment of African countries to improve food and nutritional security.
Ethiopia’s State Minister for Agriculture, Efa Muleta (PhD) affirmed Ethiopia's strong commitment to tackling regional food security challenges through partnership, cooperation, and mutual support.
He acknowledged the strides made in improving nutrition and food security, particularly among women and children, but emphasized the substantial challenges that remain.
It was noted that brought together high-level policymakers, experts, and partners in Addis Ababa to assess the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), share lessons learned, and discuss key strategies, including digital technologies and trade integration, for boosting food security in the region.