President William Ruto has called on African nations to unite in developing comprehensive strategies aimed at building resilient agricultural systems across the continent. Speaking at the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda, President Ruto emphasized the need for African governments to enhance investments in regional agricultural infrastructure, promote research and innovation, and fast-track the adoption of technological solutions to address food security challenges.
“The time is now for us to commit to a transformative agenda that will shape Africa’s food systems,” said President Ruto. He urged international partners to align their efforts with Africa’s aspirations, ensuring that resources are directed to areas where they can have the greatest impact on long-term food security and sustainability.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he stated that building resilient agricultural systems is essential not only for uplifting livelihoods but also for safeguarding the environment and meeting the continent’s obligation to provide adequate food for its people. “Through collective action, we can realize the vision of an Africa where hunger is eradicated, communities have reliable access to nutritious food, and agriculture acts as a pillar for employment, wealth generation, and environmental sustainability,” he added.
The President further underscored that the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) offers a clear path toward achieving these objectives. “With the CAADP, the dream of an Africa where no child goes to bed hungry is within our grasp,” President Ruto said, noting that sustainable agricultural practices can protect the environment while providing a foundation for economic growth.
As part of Kenya’s commitment to the continent’s agricultural transformation, President Ruto pledged that Kenya would integrate the Kampala Declaration into the country’s Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy 2019-2029, as well as its National Agriculture Investment Plan for 2025-2029. These initiatives, he stated, will focus on improving production and productivity, reducing imports, minimizing post-harvest losses, enhancing warehousing infrastructure, and boosting export manufacturing in key agricultural sectors.
Noting the progress Kenya has made, President Ruto shared that millions of Kenyan farmers now have access to vital inputs, resulting in significant productivity improvements. “The efforts we are making are already bearing fruit, demonstrating the power of strategic agricultural interventions in transforming our food systems and boosting food security,” he concluded.
With a clear roadmap and a unified approach, President Ruto’s message set the stage for intensified collaboration across African nations, signaling a new era of cooperation that could drive sustainable growth in Africa’s agriculture sector for years to come.
