Director-General praises Africa’s strengths and reaffirms FAO’s support for accelerating agrifood systems transformation in the continent

Rome – Amidst the impacts of multiple shocks, it is vital to work together to accelerate the transformation of Africa’s agrifood systems and ensure the continent’s progress towards peace and prosperity, FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, said in his opening remarks at the 5th African Union (AU)–European Union (EU) Agriculture Ministerial Conference. This year’s event titled “Resilient food systems and sustainable agri-value chains” was held today at FAO Headquarters in Rome ahead of the 43rd session of the FAO Conference (1-7 July).
Qu stressed that African countries have the will and resources to overcome various challenges, such as climate extremes, increased energy costs, high food prices, ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts and instability, including the war in Ukraine.
“Africa’s abundant natural resources, youth, culture, diversity, traditions, knowledge and women are the strengths of the Continent,” he said, noting that to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global agrifood systems need to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.
Qu also highlighted the importance of closing gender gaps in agrifood systems, which would enhance the well-being of women and their households, reduce hunger and boost incomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, 66 percent of women’s employment is in agrifood systems, compared with 60 percent for men.
The Director-General also stressed the need to support youth as active agents of change encouraging youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Facilitated by the European Union, FAO recently hosted 44 young African researchers and scientists, who will contribute to finding innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing their continent.
Reaffirming FAO’s efforts to collaborate on more exchanges for the youth, the Director-General said: “In Africa, we know that it takes a village to raise a child – and we must work together as a global village to ensure a better future for all Africa’s children.”
Qu also reassured that FAO would continue to provide all the technical support needed for the Malabo Declaration implementation referring to it as Africa’s blueprint for agrifood systems transformation even beyond its planned deadline.