Windhoek meeting backs green revolution in Africa

AFRICA has backed a call for a ‘green revolution’ on the continent to help boost agricultural productivity, food production and national food security.

This is contained in a declaration adopted at a meeting on sustainable development in African agriculture held in Windhoek last week.The two-day gathering also resolved to support the work of the Nairobi-based Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Agra) in spearheading efforts to achieve a sustainable green revolution, working with African governments, farmers, donors, private sector and civil society. ‘We recognise that an African green revolution does not depend only on improved seeds and fertilisers but must be built on a range of complementary investments in rural development, many of which will need to be undertaken by the public sector – including rural roads, electricity, health and education,’ the declaration reads.The meeting concluded that there is a need for active engagement by governments in supporting agriculture, especially small-scale farmers. ‘The escalation and volatility of prices facing farmers has highlighted the need for effective institutions to ensure greater price stability,’ said the document.It said it is also critical for African governments to provide rural infrastructure and support agricultural research and development.The meeting said successful agricultural development in Africa further requires the latest scientific knowledge in applying techniques of sustainable land, soil and water management.’We emphasise that the green revolution needs to be tailored to the specificities of the continent’s highly diverse agro-ecological conditions, farming systems and socio-cultural contexts,’ the declaration added.At the opening of the meeting on Monday, Agra’s Vice President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, called for an African green revolution, which he wants to start immediately. He said many Africans are in need of food because the continent does not produce enough food for its people. ‘It’s time to invest in agriculture to boost food security. We must try something new, a uniquely African green revolution,’ he said. The meeting was organised by the Namibian Government and the UN Division for Sustainable Development. absalom@namibian.com.na