Report By: Ishmael Barfi
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is convening an important meeting in Accra, Ghana, to tackle the critical issues affecting Africa’s agrifood systems.
The 14th Regional Management Team Meeting (RMT14), taking place from April 28 to April 30, 2025, will gather over 150 leaders and technical specialists from across Africa and FAO headquarters.
The focus will be on discussing strategic partnerships, fostering innovation, enhancing learning, and mobilizing resources to transform Africa’s agrifood systems.
Under the theme “Partnership, Innovation, Action, Learning,” the meeting aims to address urgent challenges shaping the future of agrifood systems in Africa.
Participants will review progress, strengthen partnerships, scale up innovations, and ensure effective delivery of support for sustainable agrifood transformation on the continent.
During the gathering, Maurizio Martina, FAO Deputy Director-General, emphasized that “partnership, innovation, action, and learning are deeply interconnected concepts.”
He added, “As we mark 80 years of FAO, this event strengthens our efforts to address food security and nutrition challenges globally.”
Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa noted that “our theme can serve as a powerful guide, defining the dynamic and forward-thinking approach we must embody to effectively serve our member states and achieve our shared goals.”
The primary objective of this two-day meeting is to enhance collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations to support sustainable agrifood systems.
Additionally, the meeting will focus on scaling up innovative solutions to confront challenges such as climate change, poverty, and food insecurity, promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building to improve the effectiveness of agrifood systems, and mobilizing resources for sustainable transformation.
Recommendations for Action:
RMT14 will produce key recommendations aimed at strengthening partnerships, driving innovation, and scaling up actions to support sustainable agrifood transformation in Africa. These recommendations will include:
1. Strategic Alignment: Discussions will align with FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031 and the “Four Betters”—better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life—ensuring that no one is left behind.
2. Partnerships and Collaborations: The meeting will foster new partnerships and collaborations that support sustainable agrifood systems across Africa.
This meeting coincides with FAO’s 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of efforts to end hunger and transform agrifood systems both globally and within Africa.
Africa’s agrifood systems face significant challenges, including food insecurity, poverty, and climate change.
The meeting aims to address these issues and promote sustainable agricultural development and food security on the continent.
By bringing together leaders and technical specialists, the meeting will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation.
The outcomes of the meeting will guide FAO’s future work in Africa and contribute to achieving the organization’s strategic objectives.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
