investments in agriculture not just an economic imperative but a peace-building strategy.While the RAIP laid an ambitious foundation, speakers acknowledged that implementation gaps remain particularly around financing, coordination, and data tracking.“Few member states have met the 10 per cent agriculture budget threshold; therefore, we must improve our investment tracking systems and advocate more effectively by showing evidence of how agricultural investments improve lives.” Dr. Regassa noted.The RAIP has benefited from coordination among IGAD’s internal divisions, including the Agriculture and Environment Division (AED), the Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD), and the Regional Centre for Drought Resilience (ECRID).The validation meeting provided a platform to reinforce partnerships between IGAD, the African Union Commission, development partners, and civil society organisations.The results of the End Term Review will directly shape the RASIP strategy, expected to guide the region’s agri-food investments over the next decade.Delegates expressed optimism that with coordinated effort, better funding mechanisms, and robust monitoring, the region can move closer to achieving food security and resilience.The outcomes of this three-day validation meeting, which runs until June 25, are expected to inform the finalisation of the RASIP.The new plan will be aligned with the African Union’s post-Malabo agricultural development agenda and will serve as a roadmap for transforming agriculture into a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable engine of economic growth in the IGAD region.
Source Kenya News Agency
