At the recently concluded Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Summit in Kampala, Uganda, the African Union (AU) reported sobering news: no African nation has successfully met the ambitious targets of the Malabo Declaration, set in 2014.
This milestone document was supposed to transform agriculture on the continent, aiming to eradicate hunger, halve poverty, and triple intra-African agricultural trade by 2025.
A History of Ambitious Promises
The CAADP framework, initiated in 2003 with the Maputo Declaration, called on African countries to dedicate at least 10% of their public spending to agriculture, targeting a 6% annual growth in agricultural GDP.
In 2014, the Malabo Declaration took these goals further, adding resilience-building and nutritional security to the agenda. However, as the fourth CAADP Biennial Review presented in February 2024 reveals, progress has been slow and uneven.
While countries like Rwanda (8.07), Morocco (6.9), and Egypt (6.83) have achieved notable progress, no country is on track to meet all the targets by 2025. For many, the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow, disrupting economies, trade routes and local food systems. Combined with limited political will and inadequate funding, these challenges have stalled progress.
Ambassador Josefa Sacko, the African Union commissioner for Agriculture, pointed out several persistent challenges that continue to hinder progress in achieving the continent’s agricultural goals. Funding remains a significant obstacle, with many governments failing to honor the 10 per cent budgetary commitment outlined in the Maputo Declaration.
Climate shocks, such as cyclones in Malawi and Mozambique, have caused widespread devastation, severely affecting farms and disrupting food production and trade networks. Additionally, the AU’s inability to impose penalties on member states has limited its capacity to ensure compliance with agreed-upon targets.
While there has been some progress—18 countries scored above five on hunger-related indicators—no country is currently on track to eradicate hunger by 2025. This underscores the urgent need for stronger commitments and actionable strategies to overcome these challenges.
Renewed Commitments
Acknowledging these setbacks, African leaders at the summit directed the AU to develop a new 10-year CAADP strategy for 2026–2035. The plan will aim to create a resilient, sustainable agri-food system capable of withstanding climate shocks and fostering economic growth.
Ambassador Sacko emphasized six strategic objectives, including accelerating agricultural production, expanding trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and addressing food security with a stronger focus on nutrition.
“Seventy-five per cent of African exports are agricultural products. This offers an immense opportunity to create jobs, especially for the youth,” she said.
The new strategy also prioritizes inclusivity, aiming to engage young people and empower women in agriculture. Strong governance mechanisms and accountability systems will be integral to the plan, ensuring countries meet their commitments.
As Africa moves toward a post-Malabo agenda, the question remains: Can the continent turn its agricultural ambitions into tangible results? With increased investment, climate resilience, and inclusive policies, African leaders hope to achieve the transformation that has long been promised.
Challenges Facing African Agriculture Agnes Kalibata, president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has highlighted some of the biggest challenges threatening the future of agriculture on the continent.
Speaking during the CAADP Summit, Kalibata emphasized that climate change is the most urgent issue.
“African countries are spending about 9% of their GDP to address the effects of climate change on agriculture, infrastructure, and other sectors,” she said. “How we manage our environment is critical for the sustainability of our agricultural systems, especially as governments align with the CAADP agenda.”
The Double Blow of Climate Change and Debt
Africa’s farmers are already grappling with rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events. On top of that, the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing civil conflicts have disrupted access to essential supplies like fertilizers. Global trade systems have struggled to recover, adding more pressure.
Kalibata also pointed out that many African governments are dedicating over 20% of their GDP to managing debt. This leaves fewer resources to invest in agriculture, which is crucial for food security and economic stability.
Kalibata stressed the need for better tools and resources for farmers. These include access to quality seeds, modern machinery, and better farming methods. While some farmers have achieved bumper harvests, they often struggle to get their produce to markets.