Ruto calls for bold reforms to tackle Africa's food crisis
President Ruto pointed out that Africa is falling short of its target to end hunger by 2025, with millions still food insecure despite a decade of concerted efforts.
President William Ruto has urged African nations to prioritise bold reforms in agriculture, warning that the continent's food security challenges demand immediate and decisive action.
Speaking at the African Union's Extraordinary Session in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday, Ruto highlighted the critical role of agriculture in achieving economic growth, eradicating hunger, and fostering prosperity.
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"Our mission must transcend addressing immediate challenges. It is our historic task to craft sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems for Africa," he stated.
The summit, which centred on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), marked the conclusion of the Malabo Declaration agenda and the adoption of the Kampala Declaration, a new roadmap for 2026-2035.
President Ruto pointed out that Africa is falling short of its target to end hunger by 2025, with millions still food insecure despite a decade of concerted efforts.
"Africa is at a crossroads. Our food systems face unprecedented challenges, from the existential threat of climate change to rapid urbanisation, political instability, and inadequate infrastructure," Ruto said.
"This meeting must be bold, frank, and resolute in turning this crisis into an opportunity for transformation."
Ruto highlighted Kenya's success in transforming its agricultural systems as a potential model for the continent.
He highlighted achievements such as a 147 per cent increase in irrigated land and the development of an Integrated Agricultural Management Information System.
This digital platform has registered over 6.5 million farmers, enabling targeted support and more efficient service delivery.
"Our reforms have stabilised input supply chains, increased productivity, and empowered farmers," Ruto said, citing the successful distribution of fertilisers and innovative aggregation models that ensure access for even the most rural farmers.
Kenya's approach also includes empowering youth and women through financial and technological inclusion, diversifying diets, and taking bold climate action to build resilience.
"We are laying a foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable food systems," Ruto added.
The President urged African nations to increase investment in agricultural infrastructure, promote research and innovation, and accelerate the adoption of technology.
He also called on international partners to align their support with Africa's transformation agenda.
"This is our moment to commit to a bold and transformative agenda for Africa's food systems," Ruto said.
"Together, we can build a robust foundation for sustainable agriculture and deliver on the promise of prosperity for all Africans."
The Kampala Declaration sets ambitious goals, including enhancing food security, advancing industrialisation, boosting intra-African trade, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Ruto assured the assembly that Kenya would domesticate the declaration within its agricultural strategies, including the Agriculture Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy 2019-2029 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
"Through collaboration and unwavering commitment, we can build a future where no child goes to bed hungry, every community has access to nutritious food, and agriculture becomes a driver of wealth and employment," he concluded.
