Fisheries included in Africa’s agriculture 10-year action plan
Improving Africa’s food systems
UGANDA: The importance of promoting sustainable fishing practices and building a resilient fishing sector is outlined in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme’s (CAADP) action plan for 2026 to 2035.
The CAADP Extraordinary Summit, which took place last week in Uganda, launched a 10-year strategy plan which aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and envisions building resilient agrifood systems for the continent.
“We must position the continent in such a manner that our agricultural sector is resilient to climate change as well as other shocks and is adaptive to advances in technology.”
“We must position the continent in such a manner that our agricultural sector is resilient to climate change as well as other shocks and is adaptive to advances in technology,” noted Amb Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE).
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda addressed the summit calling for investments in research, irrigation, and modern agro-practices as he urged African nations to shift from the reliance on raw material exports to developing value-added products.
Spotlight on fisheries and aquatic resources
In a dedicated side session on the importance of fisheries and aquatic resources, experts discussed the contribution of aquatic systems to Africa’s food and nutritional security. Dr Morris Akiri, Senior Regional Director at CABI, stressed the need for continued investments in resilient fishery value chains and greater youth engagement to sustain innovation in the sector.
Dr Huyam Salih further reinforced the importance of integrating ecosystem approaches into fisheries management. Her remarks aligned with the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), which aims to ensure that fisheries and aquaculture are governed in a sustainable and equitable manner for future generations.
Moving forward
The CAADP 10-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) calls for collective and decisive action on several fronts including a goal to expand intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while addressing infrastructure gaps and improving competitiveness by promoting value-added products.
Another priority includes the need to empower women, youth, and marginalised communities to drive innovation, increase their participation in value chains, and benefit from new opportunities in the sector.
Member States are being urged to integrate these commitments into national policies, strategies, and budget frameworks; develop comprehensive policies to encourage private sector investment in transforming agrifood systems; increase investments in infrastructure, agricultural research, and extension services; establish effective coordination mechanisms; and designate an apex team for monitoring and evaluation.
PHOTO SOURCE: African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources.
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