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The first Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Programme (CAADP) day meeting was held in Tripoli, Libya on 27^th June 2009, organised by the African Union Commission and the AU-NEPAD, hosted by the great socialist people’s Libya Arab Jamahiriya. The meeting brought together ministers of agriculture from 8 African countries (including Egypt, Algeria, Uganda, Libya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe and Mozambique), development partners (European Commission, the World Bank, African Development Bank, and JIRCAS), representatives of civil society organisations including farmers’ organisations, women groups and the private sector. 

Opening statements were made by representatives from the African Union Commission, the Agricultural Unit, AU-NEPAD and Development Partners. The statements highlighted the importance of agriculture for Africa’s socio-economic development and the relevance of the CAADP as the first and real African initiative that has been embraced by development partners, as a framework for increasing agricultural productivity.

The purpose of the meeting was to showcase the CAADP at the 13^th Session of the AU Assembly of the head of state and government which takes place from 1^st to 3^rd July 2009 in Sirte, Libya. The summit focuses on agriculture with the theme “Investing in Agriculture for Economic growth and Food Security” and has the following sub themes;

1. Climate Change: Opportunities for enhanced investments and growth of African Agriculture
2. Regional Agriculture trade and market systems: Issues and challenges for stimulating economic transformation and growth in Africa
3. nvestment Financing: Making African Agriculture a viable investment option
4. Stimulating participation of the ultra-poor in rural economic activities.
   

A Joint Donor statement from development partners reiterated their support for CAADP, applauded the resolve and progress made in implementing CAADP. It was noted that since 2003 funding for agriculture has increased though CAADP’s targets have only been reached by a few countries. Agricultural productivity has grown and the 6% target has been met by 10 countries, though the food crisis shows that there is still vulnerability and productivity is still low. Rwanda was recognised as the most outstanding leadership in regard to CAADP; it stands as the first country to go through the CAADP round table process and establish a CAADP Compact. Between 2006-2008 Rwanda’s average agricultural growth has been approximately 8% and annual funding 25% on average annually since the compact was signed.

Implementation of CAADP was noted to be slower at country level however, in 2009 progress was being made; COMESA region reports indicate that the round table process will be completed by the end of the year 2009 and establish CAADP Compacts; in West Africa ECOWAS is guiding its countries through the round table process and 14 round table are hoped to be completed by November 2009.

A statement from the Agricultural Unit, AU-NEPAD noted that African leaders have recognised the need to fight hunger and poverty and adopted CAADP as a collective vision to do so. Many development partners have also adopted CAADP as an entry point to support African Agriculture. It was however said that there are emerging issues/challenges to strengthening the implementation of CAADP at country level;

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  Ministerial Dialogue

Following a briefing about the state of agriculture by ministers for agriculture moderated by the media, it was agreed that the focus on agriculture especially by development partners is due largely to the awareness created by CAADP. They agreed on the need for strong political commitment to the CAADP backed by good governance and accountability. They highlighted the need to develop a comprehensive and a unified African response to the emerging issues of climate change, food, fuel ad financial crisis. They also agreed on the need to focus researches and technology development on the specific crops and livestock that will diversify agricultural production and increase productivity for increased food security.

With regard to financing CAADP activities, it was agreed that governments need to commit adequate financial resources prior to seeking donor’s support which will indicate commitment and ownership. Concerning the impact of the current economic crisis on agriculture development partners expressed their commitment to continue to support agriculture by virtue of CAADP framework.

Agriculture and CAADP 

Three presentations were made focusing on the initial reflections of CAADP review, an overview of its implementation; experiences on regional and country case studies (COMESA and Uganda).

The CAADP review focused on its relevance, effectiveness and sustainability. The review found CAADP to be highly relevant with a clear long term objective. However, it was noted that there is need for short term and medium visions. With regard to implementation of CAADP it was agreed that the CAADP is integral to agricultural development and should involve state and non state actors. There is need to commit to CAADP targets and develop strategies to move past the compacts.

In case of regional and national implementation, it was greed that countries need to hasten the compact processes to demonstrate that CAADP can address the issues of climate change and agricultural productivity.

AFRICA Non state actors and the CAADP agenda 

Reflections were made from farmer’s organisations and the African agri-business sector and the role of academic and research institutions in advancing CAADP discussion. Farmers’ organisations called for the need to strengthen farmer’s organisation, women’s groups and agribusiness and for increased support due to catalytic role that they are playing in organising and promoting the interest of small holder farmers. They stressed the need to have interventions based on their capacities and ability to produce since the objective of CAADP agenda is to increase agricultural productivity.

The African Development bank group appreciated the CAADP initiative and noted that they recognise its value and the challenges they face. Their interventions focus on agricultural recovery, plans and increasing resources for stronger agribusiness through partnerships. AFDB investments in agriculture are linked to infrastructural in the areas of water management, post harvest handling as well as support for financial crisis.

The meeting recognised the importance of pursuing partnerships with the Arab League as part of the strategy to mobilise resources for targeted investments in the CAADP agenda and welcomed the joint afro-Arab Ministerial meeting on agriculture and food security that has been scheduled for later in the year- 2009.

Pillar IV highlighted the need for increased investment in research and education to have a greater ability to advice on policies, knowledge management, an enabling environment through relevant policies and improving Africa’s capacity to build capacity.

With support from the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), an exhibition of relevant agricultural initiatives that help improve the living conditions of rural populations was made. Participating organisations included FARA, WOUGNET, CTA, PELUM, to mention but a few.

There is a clearly strong support for the CAADP globally. However there is need for action and for African Agriculture to provide a stimulus package to the world economy.