ECA calls for coordinated regional efforts to enhance food security

The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has stressed the urgent need for a more coordinated regional strategy to achieve food security in Eastern Africa while tackling the enduring challenges of trade barriers.

This observation was made by technocrats during the 57th session of the ECA’s Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

The event, entitled “Food Security and Cross-Border Trade: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities Amid the Implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” was organized by the ECA’s Subregional Office for Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI).

It was attended by senior officials and experts to discuss the dynamics of food security and cross-border trade within the context of the AfCFTA.

Speakers highlighted that while the Eastern Africa region has recently experienced a growing food trade deficit, it is not that large, representing just 0.3% of regional GDP.

This however could increase with the right policies and promoting greater regional trade.
Andrew Mold, Acting Director of ECA in Eastern Africa said that in the early 2000s, the region transitioned from being a net food exporter to becoming a net importer, with substantial disparities across countries and commodities.

“A number of countries in our region now sustain large food trade deficits. However, the region is also home to several countries which are net food exporters. Tanzania and Uganda, in particular, have emerged as leading food exporters, with notable surpluses in key commodities such as maize.”

Experts also stressed that the AfCFTA can provide a rapid pathway to achieving greater regional food security adding that it is an important mechanism to boost intra-regional food trade, particularly in processed agri-food products.

Simulations undertaken by ECA suggest that intra-continental food trade could increase by more than 60% by 2045 if the AfCFTA is fully implemented. This can be supported by greater regional cooperation removing the remaining barriers to intra-African trade.

Farayi Zimudzi, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, highlighted the pressing issue of low agricultural productivity amidst rapid population growth in Africa.

“It is imperative that our agricultural production systems keep pace with population growth. Increasing investment in research and development, particularly in high-yield crop varieties and improved livestock, must be prioritized,” she added.

The event also advocated for the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) to address productivity challenges and enhance agricultural investment across the continent.

CAADP is aimed at increasing food security and nutrition, reducing rural poverty, creating employment, and contributing to economic development while safeguarding the environment.

CAADP aims for a 6% annual growth rate in the agricultural sector, with African Union member states allocating at least 10 per% of their budgets to agriculture.