By Dorothy Musyoka
In a bold move to enhance food security and sustainable agricultural practices, Kenya has pledged to domesticate the Kampala Declaration, adopted during the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in Kampala, Uganda.
This commitment marks a significant step towards building resilient food systems and succeeding the Malabo Declaration, whose implementation period has come to an end.
“I committed at the summit that Kenya will domesticate the Kampala Declaration, adopted during the Summit, to succeed the Malabo Declaration, whose implementation period has ended,” noted President Ruto.
The Kampala Declaration outlines a comprehensive framework for transforming agriculture across the African continent.
It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among African countries to invest in infrastructure, foster innovation, and adopt cutting-edge technology.
“The objective is to end hunger in the continent, ensure access to nutritious food, promote sustainable practices that safeguard the planet’s future and position agriculture as a driver of jobs and prosperity,” added the President.
Kenya’s commitment to the Kampala Declaration is a testament to its leadership role in advancing agricultural development and food security in Africa.
The AU Extraordinary Summit underscored the importance of collective action among African nations to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector.
“African countries must collaborate to build resilient food systems by investing in infrastructure, fostering innovation and adopting technology,” President Ruto said.
The successful implementation of the Kampala Declaration requires the concerted efforts of governments, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and local communities.
However, Kenya’s pledge to domesticate the Kampala Declaration sets a precedent for other African nations, fostering a united front in the quest for sustainable agricultural development and resilient food systems.