CGIAR and FARA launch unified action to accelerate Agricultural Transformation in Africa

[Durban, 6 June 2023] – CGIAR and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) have unveiled an ambitious Action Plan that will accelerate and increase the generation and adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies and innovations by millions of smallholder farmers.

By stimulating purposeful engagement and strengthening partnerships between African research and innovation stakeholders, the plan aims to create inclusive agricultural development through the promotion of regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices, job opportunities, and improved welfare for farmers across Africa.

The three-year plan also endorsed by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) reflects the shared commitments and principles outlined in the Abidjan II Communique of September 2022.

Emphasizing the need for unified and integrated responses to address the evolving and intricate challenges faced by the agri-food system in Africa, the plan establishes a collaborative framework between CGIAR and FARA-led African Agricultural Research and Innovation Institutions (AARIIs) to foster sustainable and sustained support for agricultural development and food systems transformation.

“This Action Plan represents a significant step towards addressing the evolving challenges facing Africa’s agri-food system and ensuring that CGIAR aligns with African partner institutions,” said Claudia Sadoff, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR

“The Abidjan II Communique ensured clarity and shared commitments. This Action Plan allows us to accelerate the delivery of solutions for wealth creation, food and nutrition security, economic opportunity, poverty alleviation, shared prosperity, resilience, and sustainability in line with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the 2014 Malabo Declaration,” said Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, FARA.

An additional objective is to strengthen links with policy systems and establish an enabling institutional and political environment. The plan aims to engage African national governments in supporting agricultural development and food systems transformation, with a focus on evidence-based scientific decisions.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Media Contacts

Benjamin Abugri, Knowledge Management Learning & Communications Cluster Lead Specialist, FARA, +233 20173308, babugri@faraafrica.org

Katherine Lopez, CGIAR AASW8 Communication, +234 803 9784454, k.lopez@cgiar.org

About CGIAR
CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its research is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector. www.cgiar.org

We would like to thank all Funders who support this research through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund

About FARA
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex continental organization responsible for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research and innovation in Africa. FARA’s mission is to facilitate innovative partnerships and solutions that enhance the application of science to create decent and sustainable livelihoods in Agriculture. FARA undertakes its mandate in partnership with numerous organisations including the sub regional agricultural research organisations, i.e., ASARECA, CCARDESA, CORAF and NAASRO; the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), the CGIAR, the African Union Commission, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA)-NEPAD, among many others. FARA’s work is funders by Development Partners. For more information, visit www.faraafrica.org.