Combat food insecurity, EAC states told
Oct 01, 2015
"Food security is not donor driven but it is the responsibility of East African Community (EAC) members to ensure that their citizens are not affected by hunger and end up starving," Rees said.
By Francis Emorut
East Africa partner states have been advised to address food security to avert hunger which would affect a population of 153 million people in the region.
The call was made by Matthew Rees the USAID deputy coordinator for Trade Africa director office of economic integration, who argued that concerted efforts by partner states in the region is required to address gaps in food insecurity.
Rees also called on governments in the region to strengthen and harmonize policies that would facilitate the private sector to conduct business in a conducive environment.
The USAID official made remarks during a cocktail party to welcome delegates who are scheduled to attend the 6th Africa Grain Trade Summit at Kigali Serena Hotel in Rwanda Thursday morning.
The USAID deputy coordinator for Trade Africa director office of Economic Intergration Matthew Rees (centre) chatting with delegates during cocktail party at Kigali Serena Hotel on Wednesday Sept 30, 2015. Photo by Francis Emorut
The summit is organized by Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC).
"Food security is not donor driven but it is the responsibility of East African Community (EAC) members to ensure that their citizens are not affected by hunger and end up starving," Rees said.
He pledged USAID's commitment to support EAC member states to work towards food security.
Rwanda's minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana called upon delegates to come up with long lasting solutions to address food insecurity in the region.
Neptunez dancers entertaining guests during a cocktail prty at Kigali Serena Hotel . Photo by Francis Emorut
She also emphasized that recommendations that summit would come up with should be geared towards boosting agricultural investments in African continent.
Present at the cocktail party was the Rwanda's minister of trade, Francois Kanimba the secretary of EAC Rhichard Sezibwa and EAGC executive director Gerald Masila who entertained by Neptunez band.