TIGblogs - Henry Ekwuruke

The Africa Union sponsored special summit on food security in Africa opened in Abuja on the 4th of December 2006. The summit which is a follow-up of the Africa Fertilizer Summit and previous summits on Agriculture hosted by the Nigerian government was formally opened by the Minister of Agriculture of Nigeria, Mallam Adamu Bello, FCIB, had as its theme: Food Security – An engine of growth and poverty Alleviation in Africa and would be addressing the key challenges and issues of availability, accessibility and affordability of food in Africa. Africa is the only continent lagging behind in the implementation of commitments on food security since the World Food Summit of 1996 in Rome.

Addressing delegates at the formal opening of the summit, the Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, Mallam Adamu Bello commented on efforts and commitments of the African governments to ensuring food security in the continent and the challenges they face which include the need for increased productivity through integration of science and technology innovations, mechanization and irrigation. He also thanked delegates for making out time to attend the summit.

Speaking further, the Director for Rural economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, Dr. Babagana Ahmadu informed delegates that it was only the continent that had not prioritized its action plans and would be failing behind meeting the goal of food sufficiency and security, if the continent continues at the pace it is moving. He disclosed the need for African governments and the private sector to work on an action agenda that would take the continent out of poverty and improve their lot, as he said, failure would not be good for the continent’s future.

In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture of Nigeria, encouraged delegates to make fruitful deliberations and commented on pressing issues that should be address, which according to him include: better extension services and research, he further stated that the summit is an action one and should be treated as such. He finally welcomed delegates to the heart of Africa, Nigeria.

The Summit continues until 7th of December 2006, when the Heads of states would adopt Summit declaration and also formally launch the Green Wall Sahara Initiative.