From Rabat, Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), did not hesitate to ring an “alarm bell” that still stands regarding “the rise in hunger rates in parts of the African continent,” stressing that “unfortunately, since our meeting “At the last Regional Ministerial Conference for Africa in Malabo two years ago, hunger in Africa has increased, driven largely by the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic shocks, the climate crisis, and ongoing conflicts.”
Speaking to participants in the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33), which was held in Rabat over the course of 3 days, the Director-General of FAO said: “Twenty years ago; That is, in 2004, African leaders adopted the Comprehensive and Integrated Program for Agricultural Development in Africa through the “Maputo” Declaration. Ten years ago (in 2014) they reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating hunger through the Malabo Declaration. However, today, in 2024 – 30 years later – hunger is on the rise, and more than a billion people in Africa cannot afford a healthy diet.”
The prominent UN official did not hide that he “has deep appreciation for the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting this regional conference.” Your hospitality is also a reflection of the strong partnership between FAO and Morocco,” said Donio, in the presence of the Moroccan Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture.
“Critical moment”
The Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization continued, warning the organization’s members from African countries: “We are meeting at a critical moment that requires our urgent and collective action. Despite the many challenges, I remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead.”
Qu Dongyu said, “Africa boasts the largest area of arable land of any continent; It is also abundant in natural resources. Its youth offers exceptional potential. The commitment of African countries to the “post-Malabo agenda” reaffirms political will, adding: “However, realizing this potential requires strategic partnerships, greater investments, and harnessing the power of digital technologies to drive efficiency and productivity in Africa’s agricultural sectors.”
Transforming agricultural systems for food
While the same speaker considered that “through the transformation of agri-food systems in Africa, we can unlock benefits for all across food security and nutrition, economics, equality, environment and resilience,” he stressed that “there is an urgent need to transform agri-food systems as they are central to the discussions at this conference.” “The FAO Regional and FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031 is a roadmap towards more efficient, integrated, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.”
In order to achieve “The Four Betters,” which “is not just a vision but a call to action,” according to the Director-General of FAO, it requires achieving “better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, without leaving anyone behind,” according to him. His expression.
In the same context, he explained, “Since we met two years ago, the first two-year period for implementing the strategic framework has been completed. We are committed to improving production in Africa through our work on the digitalization of agriculture, green/clean energy irrigation, and sustainable mechanization,” he said, noting that “10 African countries are now participating in the FAO Digital Villages initiative.”
A tribute to the Moroccan experience.”
In his speech, delivered from the podium in the presence of Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister, and Mohamed Seddiqi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests (President of the Conference at its 33rd session), the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations praised the Kingdom of Morocco, which he said “stands as a pioneering example in Transforming agri-food systems across regions, the continent and beyond.”
He added, noting that “modernization and diversification have made Morocco make great strides; Such as investing in modern irrigation systems, greenhouse agriculture and aquaculture, and expanding the production of fruits and vegetables for local and export markets, while modernizing its production of olive oil to become one of the largest global producers,” calling for “using this regional conference as a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices for the benefit of all countries.” African.”
The Director-General of the FAO stressed that “every country must take the initiative in changing its agricultural food system, and the organization stands ready to support you in this decisive path,” concluding his speech with a recommendation to “draw new features for agricultural projects,” and said: “The future of Africa In your hands through international partnerships.”
It is noteworthy that the theme of the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC33), which is being held in Rabat over the course of 3 days, was chosen as “Resilient agri-food systems and comprehensive and integrated rural transformation.” This was the subject of praise from the Moroccan Prime Minister.
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2024-04-19 23:08:56
