Mozambique's Strides Towards Agricultural Excellence: Workshop Sets the Stage for Meeting Malabo Commitments
Through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), African nations have been collectively working towards enhancing the agricultural sector. The commitments made in Maputo in 2003 and reaffirmed in Malabo in 2014, of an annual 6% agricultural growth and allocating at least 10% of public expenditures to the sector, set a path towards self-reliance and poverty reduction.
In a commendable step towards realising these goals, CCARDESA and FARA partnered with the Mozambique Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development on the EU-funded CAADP-XP4 project. The CAADP-XP4 Programme is a consortium of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa (ASARECA), West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) and Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). The programme is implemented through the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) and is funded by the European Union (EU).
The partnership hosted a workshop on 'Knowledge Management and Monitoring of Malabo Commitments' in Maputo Province at the Tan n Biki Lodge from 20th to 22nd June 2023. The workshop aimed at strengthening knowledge management principles to support the implementation of the Malabo Commitments.
Around 25 participants representing diverse sectors, such as media, research, academia, agricultural extension, farmer organisations, women and youth organisations, and the private sector, gathered for the workshop. It also aimed at creating awareness about Mozambique's Biennial Review (BR) Report Results, CCARDESA themes and its programs.
"Food security is the only way to make countries independent and move above the poverty line," Ms Shaimin Vieira, representative of the European Union Delegation of Mozambique, stated at the meeting. Mr Rui Mapatse, the Inspector General from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mozambique, emphasised the importance of understanding the Malabo and Knowledge Management principles to improve future Biannual Review Processes.
The workshop also involved presentations by different experts. Futhi Magagula, CAADP-XP4 programme Officer, shed light on CCARDESA programmes. Sofia Manusse and Nelio Zunguze discussed the Malabo Declaration commitments and Mozambique's 3rd Biannual Review results report. International Consultant, Mr Martin Muchero, provided an overview of the Malabo Implementation's progress at both SADC and Continental levels. Bridget Kakuwa and Benjamin Abugri presented the status of knowledge management in the SADC region and the continent, respectively.
Thought-provoking discussions centered around Mozambique's progress in meeting the Malabo targets and highlighted the value of effective communication strategies in driving positive change. The collective enthusiasm of the participants gave birth to various action plans, aiming to enhance Mozambique's performance towards achieving the Malabo commitments.
“Let us remember that our work does not end here, but rather this marks the beginning of a journey to meeting the Malabo targets. Let's continue to harness the power of our shared knowledge, for a better and more productive agricultural sector in Mozambique. said Mr Júlio Manjate, Technical Director at IIAM, as he officially closed the National KM and Malabo Reporting and Monitoring meeting in Maputo, Mozambique.
The workshop intended to contribute towards Mozambique's quest for agricultural excellence and food security. The insights gained, and the relationships formed during the event promise a transformative future for the nation's agricultural sector. As Mozambique continues its journey towards the Malabo commitments, this workshop will undoubtedly serve as a valuable foundation.
