Asanda Rigala

Agriculture is vital to socio-economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) but faces interconnected challenges. Climate change threatens productivity and food security, particularly impacting smallholder farmers. Despite progress, food insecurity persists, perpetuating poverty and hindering growth. Unsustainable practices further degrade the environment and weaken system resilience. A shift towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agriculture is necessary. This requires strategic policies addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.

In light of the above, FANRPAN hosted a 2024 High-Level Regional Multistakeholder Policy Dialogue held in Malawi, in Lilongwe on 6 – 9 August 2024. The dialogue was aimed at discussing pathways for transforming African agrifood systems, focusing on developing actionable strategies and policy frameworks. The dialogue focused on policy actions, climate action, and food and nutrition security.

The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) was represented by Mr. Bonani Nyhodo, Senior Manager for Agricultural Industry Trusts Division and FANRPAN Coordinator, Mr. Phelelani Sibiya, and Mr. Vusimusi Sithole – whose roles are described as FANRPAN Associates in this respect.

The policy dialogue provided a platform for stakeholders to engage and share experiences from policy, strategy and programme implementation and new Ideas on how to build better and more resilient agricultural and food systems going into the future. There were various keynote presentations and panel discussions that took place. And from there, a number of resolutions were made.

“There was an urgent need for African countries to transform agriculture and food systems, especially in this changing climatic environment. It was pointed out that policies and strategies for agri-food systems transformations are there, but the problem is the lack of implementation. As researchers we have a role to play by packaging our research and research findings in a way that would be understood by policymakers,” said Sibiya.

Furthermore, the dialogue facilitated knowledge exchange among policy makers, researchers, and
stakeholders in agriculture and food systems. Secondly, developing actionable recommendations
to enhance food and nutrition security and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Lastly, foster partnerships and collaborative efforts to ensure emerging policy recommendations are implemented.