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In a pivotal move underscoring the untapped potential of Africa's agricultural sector, key stakeholders convened at the first Vatican Roundtable of African Farmers, spotlighting the urgent need for transformative investments in this sector. The event, graced by the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), QU Dongyu, emphasized immediate measures to realign Africa with global food security and nutrition goals, identifying the continent's innovative youth, advancements in science and technology, and strategic investments as catalysts for change.
The roundtable, a groundbreaking initiative, brought the experiences of farmers from Sub-Saharan Africa to the global stage, advocating for a paradigm shift in agricultural development. Presentations by farmers from countries including Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe showcased tangible agricultural innovations and technologies, proposing crucial policy alterations.
This call to action precedes the World Food Forum, FAO's annual flagship event, and comes at a critical time when Africa is grappling with escalating food insecurity, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, climatic adversities, and regional conflicts. Current crises, such as the ongoing droughts in Uganda and Somalia and conflicts in regions like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlight the escalating urgency of food security measures.
For investors, this represents an unprecedented opportunity. As QU Dongyu aptly stated, there's an essential need to double the current agricultural productivity in Africa. The investment potential spans not only direct agricultural businesses but extends to crucial areas such as research, farmer training, mechanization, introduction of cutting-edge technologies, new crop varieties, and sustainable production systems.
The FAO Director-General pinpointed science, innovation, and technology as significant avenues for economic growth, creating new employment opportunities in agrifood systems, and enhancing production efficiency. However, the real game-changer lies in making these advancements accessible to all, ensuring inclusivity in the growth trajectory.
Furthermore, the continent's youthful population presents a dynamic investment prospect. The agility, creativity, and innovative spirit of African youth are deemed pivotal in combating poverty and hunger. This demographic, coupled with strategic investments in the agrifood sector, positions Africa as a hotbed for agricultural revolution, promising substantial returns for investors.
The roundtable, hosted in Vatican City, was not just a call for action but an invitation to global investors to participate in Africa's agricultural transformation. With initiatives like the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which encompasses 36 African countries, the stage is set for a sustainable and profitable agricultural future, marking Africa as the next big frontier for agrifood investment.
For further inquiries or insights, contact FAO News and Media at (+39) 06 570 53625 or via email at FAO-Newsroom@fao.org.
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