By Denis Jjuuko

The 6th CAADP Partnership Platform meeting is under way in Johannesburg, South Africa with hundreds of delegates making the Atrium Centre the busiest part of the Birchwood Hotel. Even China is represented, implying the global outlook of CAADP.

Prof. Richard Mkandawire, Adviser on Agriculture and Head of CAADP at the NPCA ,presided over the opening ceremony for the meeting whose objectives include reviewing the progress, performance, and challenges in advancing CAADP’s agenda. Martin Bwalya, also of CAADP, expounded on this, singling out Rwanda as a country that is demonstrating achievements in terms of financing and as a key example of how CAADP should be implemented.

Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, the CEO of NPCA, took over from there insisting that “Africa’s development will be led by agriculture.” As a former Prime Minister of Niger, Dr. Mayaki’s remark should be taken seriously because he knows how implementation affects even the most thought-out agendas. No wonder his next few minutes were dedicated to challenging Africa to think how she can move CAADP from a theory framework to a practical tool that fosters development.

He reminded every country to avoid being selfish, as well as insisting that “we are all working for people on the ground.” This is a challenge to ensure that tangible results are realised.

The African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rhodah Peace Tumusiime, called for the acceleration of support for countries that are yet to sign the CAADP Compact as well as those that have signed to formulate their implementation plans. So far, 18 African countries have signed the Compact.

As most delegates converged for a tea break to network and individually deliberate on the future of CAADP, the leadership of the programme was busy fielding questions from journalists across the continent at a well-attended press conference.  Mrs Tumusiime noted that the leadership of the continent has set a target of 6% growth in agriculture and that 10% of every country’s budget should be set aside for agriculture.

“Most countries developed by fast tracking the growth and development of agriculture. We need to put agriculture first,” she emphasised.

And Rwanda’s example of a strong vision on agriculture coupled with the country’s commitment, leadership and support to its farmers should be replicated elsewhere.