PATHWAYS TO RECOVERY AND RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

2021 has been transformational to the way we think about food systems. The AGRF 2021 Summit provided an opportunity to raise our ambitions and define a bold vision for the future of food systems in Africa bringing together diverse voices to accelerate change on the theme of pathways to recovery and resilient food systems

Africa’s agriculture has immense potential with rising urbanization and the growth of urban middle-class consumers in Africa which is projected to lead to over $645 billion in growth in consumer spending by 2025 and of that growth, $167 billion could be in food and beverages.

However, this will require a whole system change and significant coordination across different actors from governments, farmers, private sector, civil society groups to researchers. We will need to address implementation challenges, reduce fragmentation, and focus our efforts to deliver at the local level to turn potential into reality. Most importantly we will need to do this in an inclusive manner.

I am grateful to the Government of Kenya under the leadership of H.E Uhuru Kenyatta for hosting the AGRF Summit for the second time. This is the kind of visionary leadership that the continent needs to feed itself and the rest of the world.

My gratitude also goes out to the AGRF partner’s group for their partnership and commitment towards agricultural transformation in Africa. To our delegates for your participation, commitment and ideas that make the AGRF the premier platform for inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa.

Thank you for joining us. I hereby present to you the proceedings from the AGRF 2021 summit.

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H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Chair AGRA and AGRF Partners Group

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Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA & Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Food Systems Summit

I am delighted to present to you proceedings from the AGRF 2021 Summit

2021 has been a critical year for the world as the global conversation has shifted from agricultural transformation to food systems transformation.

The AGRF 2021 Summit was, therefore, anchored around exploring the pathways and actions needed to accelerate this process and steer the continent towards resilient food systems.

We are excited that the AGRF is a learning platform, but more importantly, that Africa is on a winning journey with renewed commitment to feed itself and the world. At the UN Food Systems Summit, Africa spoke with one voice and is now translating commitments into strategies. The commitment and leadership is evident however, we must remain in dialogue and implement our resolutions. We must remain accountable, and we must show impact. It is time to eradicate hunger, eradicate poverty, and come out strong with resilient systems, healthy people and a healthy planet. These are clear, measurable goals.

I want to thank H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, H.E. President Paul Kagame, and the UN Secretary- General Antonio Guterres for their belief in the importance of food systems and the trust they placed in me and my team. We are grateful to the AGRF partners Group under the able chair H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chair of AGRA Board of Directors. It was an extraordinary AGRF and an extraordinary year. With appreciation for the path we walk together!

It was a great honour for Kenya to have hosted the AGRF Summit for a second time

Under the leadership of President, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, it was a great honour for Kenya to have hosted the AGRF Summit for a second time. We appreciate the innovations that permitted us to approach the Summit in a hybrid format, allowing us to safely join with global VIPs in Nairobi while also hosting a world of people on-line.

Kenya remains committed to being a leader in food systems transformation not just for our country but for our region, the East Africa Community, our beloved continent and indeed the global community. My call to you is to invest in the continent’s young people. Youth engagement in agriculture is critical to sustaining the continent’s food systems. Our young people must take charge of their future, and this includes being able to feed themselves with nutritious and safe diets that will nourish them and promote the health and wealth of our people.

Under the theme of “Pathways to Recovery and Resilient Food Systems”, this year’s AGRF has given us an opportunity to reflect on the urgency for food systems transformation on the continent. The time is now!

Thank You! Asanteni Sana! God Bless You!

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Hon. Peter G. Munya, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Kenya

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Ms Jennifer Baarn, Acting Managing Director, AGRF

The AGRF Declaration charts a journey for food systems transformation that will guide our future work...

The AGRF 2021 summit brought together over 8,500 delegates across 104 countries and a diverse range of speakers to showcase the possibilities and inspire commitments and actions from all actors within the food systems; from Governments to the private sector and individuals who are making considerable strides within their own space to transform food systems at their level.

The AGRF declaration charts a journey for food systems transformation that will guide our future work and shows we must accelerate our actions. There were major commitments in nutrition, innovation, renewable energy, climate change, regional food trade, and investment being made towards the transformation of food systems.

Participants have committed to resilient value chain development from farm inputs, through to how they process, transport, and retail products; and manage their food waste. AGRF participants also heard how important it is to invest in innovation, digital technologies, and the need for renewable energy for Africa’s future pathway.

Throughout, we have drawn energy and inspiration from all those in the AGRF partnership, and a diverse range of experts from across the African agriculture landscape.

A special thanks goes out to the Government of Kenya for hosting the 2021 Summit, the AGRF partners group for their commitment towards inclusive agricultural transformation in the continent and our delegates for your participation and contribution to the summit. Together we will build a more resilient food systems.

We welcome you to reflect with us on the AGRF 2021 Summit actions and commitments and look forward to seeing you in Kigali, 2022!

AGRF 2021 SUMMIT IN NUMBERS

8580

Virtual Delegates

150

In-Person VIP

10

Current & Former
Heads of State

20

Ministers

104

Countries Represented

US $12.5 bn+

in Food Systems
Commitments

US $5.1 bn

in Food Systems Commitments

150

investment priorities in 20+ value
chains via the deal room

524

Speakers

2.7 bn

Potential media reach

194

Deal Room Investors

HIGHLIGHTS

From 7 to 10 September 2021, over 8,400 delegates gathered at the AGRF 2021 Summit in Nairobi, Kenya and virtually, to call for and plan action on building resilient food systems in Africa.

Hosted by the Government of Kenya under the leadership of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, and the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives. This year’s AGRF Summit’s theme focused on “Pathways to Recovery and Resilient Food Systems” and heralded a strong call for Africa and the world to change the way we produce, process, market and consume food. Food systems transformation is imperative if Africa is to achieve the key sustainable development goal of ending hunger by 2030.

“From the AGRF 2021 Summit we will work together as Africans and come up with a common position to table UN Food Systems Summit,”
H.E Uhuru Kenyatta
President, Republic of Kenya

THE COMMITMENTS

This year’s AGRF 2021 Summit came at a critical time when food systems are under enormous pressure from different shocks and stresses, including the pandemic, climate change, pests, and diseases that cost the region billions of dollars. The Summit called for and spotlighted commitments to the future of African Food Systems.

Commitments were anchored by the African Development Bank who will mobilize US$1 billion in the next two years and up to US$10 billion by 2030 from bilateral donors, green funds, and philanthropic organizations to launch the Financing Facility for Food and Nutrition in Africa.

The Facility will support modernizing African agricultural production and commodity value chains. IFAD has a resource mobilization target of US$1.5 billion through the Rural Resilience Programme (2RP) and US$200 million through the Private Sector Financing Programme (PSFP). Resilience and climate solutions also included the IKEA Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation announcement of a US$1 billion fund in a global renewable energy alliance.

“Providing access to renewable energy can be a pathway to a more sustainable future for farming communities.” Mr. Per Heggenes, Chief Executive Officer, IKEA Foundation

“The continent must move to importing less food, as it can grow what is needed for its consumption.”
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda

PRESIDENTIAL SUMMIT

The Presidential Summit is the highest-level moment of the AGRF, comprised of Heads of State & Government, eminent persons, and hundreds of leaders and stakeholders present from across Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors. The AGRF 2021 Presidential Summit was convened under the leadership of H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya.

Focusing on the gains that have been made in Africa’s agriculture landscape, African leaders shared the bold steps they are already taking to drive food systems transformation across their own countries and within their regions. Actualizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), leveraging agricultural innovations, scaling investments in inf rastructure, innovative financing including climate finance, diversification of diets, and empowering women and youth were cited as critical pathways to food systems transformation on the continent.

Financing the Agricultural sector remains critical; leaders committed to working towards fulfilling the Malabo Commitments and ensure 10% of budgets is allocated to the agriculture sector.

“To fully unlock the potential of agriculture in Africa, we need to raise agricultural productivity, develop and integrate value chains, build climate resilience, modernize food supply systems and boost the private sector to produce healthy and nutritious food.”
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank

ELDER'S COUNCIL

Five former heads of state gathered at an inaugural Elders’ Council to reflect on the status of food systems in Africa. This special session was convened by H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

In his remarks, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania urged African countries not to opt for protectionism as it can be very inefficient. Instead, countries should focus on increasing production to prevent shortages.

H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia spoke on the role of women in food system transformation. In Liberia women can now legally own land and have been very resilient in farming. There is need for commitments to remove barriers that have prevented women from achieving their goals.

“We all need to make commitment to remove barriers that have prevented women from achieving their goals.”
H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia

Benin’s former Prime Minister, H.E. Lionel Zinsou, emphasized the need for financial resources to flow to the agriculture sector. He also noted the need to improve agriculture’s logistics, cold chain, and infrastructure.

Former Nigeria President, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo provided insights on post conflict policy solutions to meet agricultural targets. Agricultural policies must be consistent and not influenced by regime change. H.E Obasanjo urged government ministries to work together and not in silos.

“Peace is a precondition for success in agriculture.”
H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the Africa Food Prize Committee and former President, Nigeria

FOOD SYSTEMS INNOVATORS

To achieve sustainable food systems, there is urgent need to develop innovative tools and approaches. Food Systems Innovators are the young African agri-preneurs, who are deploying creative and innovative solutions across the agricultural value chain.

Throughout the AGRF week, these food system innovators showcased their breakthrough innovations that are transforming Africa’s food system. The videos showcased the work of 23 innovators who have in their own unique ways achieved greater farm yield, value-addition, increased income, created more job opportunities, and reduced levels of hunger and malnutrition.

“We (Africa) are not being left behind; we are building resilient and sustainable food systems locally and globally.”
Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director, Agriculture & Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission, Ethiopia

Now, more than ever, it is critical to shape an African Vision on food systems transformation. The continent must feed itself. Africa requires food systems that deliver sufficient and nutritious food; food systems that are sustainable and food systems that create shared prosperity for Africa.”
Ms. Thule Lenneiye, Coordinator, Agriculture Transformation Office, Kenya

RECOGNITION & REWARDS

Africa Food Prize 2021
Waya/Value4Her
GOGettaz
Pitch Agrihack

THEMATIC WORKING GROUPS

AGRF advances its mission and work throughout the year to achieve targeted outcomes largely by working through a set of thematic platforms. Ten thematic platforms and thematic working groups have been prioritized for the AGRF to deliver under its current strategy against its priority goals.

Women in agriculture

Equitable Livelihoods for Women through Innovative Financing and Climate Adaptation is a powerful pathway to economic development.

Regional Food Trade

There are barriers to food trade in Africa along the entire value chain. Trade issues are relevant to multiple ministries and agencies within government, including not only trade, but also agricultural, health and safety, transport, and finance.

AgTech & Digitalization

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitization of Africa’s agriculture value chains and spurred broader digital technology usage.

Resilience and Adaptation

Food insecurity and poverty in Africa has been aggravated by multiple shocks that include recurrent drought, flooding, land degradation, soil nutrient depletion, and insecurity.

Food Systems and Nutrition

The session on Africa’s Solutions Towards Safe and Nutritious Food for All showcased a series of technological innovations and solutions that are scaling production of diverse, safe, and healthy crops.

Rural and Market Development

African food security lies in its opportunity to link markets and add value to improve livelihoods.

Sustainable Productivity

In line with the theme of AGRF 2021 on forging pathways to recovery and resilient food systems, the Sustainable Productivity thematic platform highlighted innovative models that aid the resilience of input systems for Africa’s food systems.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Summit 2021
Day 1: Equitable & Inclusive Livelihoods
Summit 2021
Day 2: #BuildForwardBetter
 
Summit 2021
Day 3: Healthy People and Planet
Summit 2021
Day 4: Future Food Systems
 

“The continent must move to importing less food, as it can grow what is needed for its consumption.”
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda

“To fully unlock the potential of agriculture in Africa, we need to raise agricultural productivity, develop and integrate value chains, build climate resilience, modernize food supply systems and boost the private sector to produce healthy and nutritious food.”
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank

Watch Full Highlights

REPORTS

Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR)

Food systems are a fundamental part of the global economic system – the world’s population depends on them for sustenance. As is the case elsewhere, in Africa, many people depend entirely on food systems for employment and incomes. For these reasons, building resilient and sustainable food systems is crucial to ensuring sustainable economies and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 Goals. However, Africa remains food insecure, accounting for 256 million of the world’s 795 million people suffering from hunger

This year’s Africa Agriculture Status Report, A Decade of Action: Building Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems in Africa provides evidence and insights on the prospects of achieving resilience and sustainability in Africa’s food systems.

View Report

Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) Report

The 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) report analyzes continental and regional trends in African agricultural trade flows and policies, with a focus on the impact of the pandemic at both the macroeconomic and microeconomic levels. To support AfCFTA implementation and advance the growth of African trade, this Fourth edition of the AATM calls for deeper and wider cooperation for both trade data and policies.

View Report

PARTNERS