African agro-finance up 7%

Mrs Tumusiime

By DOREEN NAWA
THE African Union (AU) says public spending on agriculture in Africa has risen by over seven percent.
African Union commissioner for rural economy and agriculture Rhoda Peace Tumusiime commended the efforts in the increase in spending but said much more must be done on the continent.

“Following intensive efforts by the continental body to boost the agriculture sector through initiatives like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) public spending on agriculture has risen. But this is not tine to rest, as  AU-member states we must ensure we tackle all challenges in order for transformative growth to take place on the continent,” Mrs Tumusiime said.
Speaking at the official opening of the African Union (AU) joint conference of ministers of agriculture, rural development, fisheries and aquaculture in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday, Mrs Tumusiime said for growth to be realized through the agriculture sector, the marginalised, vulnerable, women and young people must be taken care of.
Mrs Tumusiime said since 2014 being the year for Agriculture and Food Security, more needs to be done to ensure that this sector which employs over 75 percent of Africa’s workers improves livelihoods and transforms lives.
And in an AU statement released on Tuesday, Zambia is being represented at the joint ministerial conference by Agriculture Deputy Minister Greyford Monde.
Mr Monde, together with other ministers of agriculture from across the continent, are expected to adopt recommendations from the senior officials’ meeting designed to boost agriculture on the continent.
The African Union has declared 2014 as the year for Agriculture and Food Security and several activities have been lined up to press member states to prioritise agriculture.
The theme for the year of agriculture is Transforming Africa’s agriculture for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods through harnessing opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development. This year, the continental body is also taking stock of CAADP which was launched in 2003.
The five-day meeting aims to finalise consensus on strategic goals and improved coordination of programmes linking agriculture and rural development and strengthening policy and institutional capacities for advancing agricultural transformation.(Published on May 1, in the Zambia Daily Mail-http://daily-mail.co.zm/index.php/component/k2/item/2682-african-agro-finance-up-7)