Africa-Europe: what type of partnership to ensure food security?

FAO Brussels Director Raschad Al-Khafaji participated in a roundtable discussion organized by the European Strategic Initiative in Brussels. The event assessed ways to strengthen the resilience of African agriculture in light of the current global challenges.  

In front of an audience of European Union policy makers, Ambassadors and Africa experts, the Director recalled that climate change, conflict and economic downturns remained the main factors that put food security in Africa at risk. He added that a promising transformation had already started in many of Africa’s farmlands. Family farmers are increasingly using innovative approaches and scientific research, combined with traditional knowledge, to increase the productivity of their fields, diversify their crops, boost their nutrition and build climate resilience .

Given the complexity of the current challenges, doing business as usual was not sufficient anymore stressed the FAO Brussels Director. FAO is actively supporting its Member countries on the continent through a number of innovative initiatives such as Hand in Hand, the 1000 Digital villages and the Green Cities initiatives. Al-Khafaji concluded by informing the audience of selected upcoming events and activities organized by FAO and its partners, such as the upcoming World Food Forum including the Hand in hand Investment Forum which will provide a platform for national authorities to present investment opportunities that can have tangible impact at country level.  

Speakers from Permanent Missions, the European External Action Service, the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and IPES put the emphasis on the need for greater coordination in the framework of the EU- Africa partnership and highlighted the efforts of their institutions to ensure a successful EU-Africa partnership.