Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has challenged political leaders across the continent to uphold their commitments to enhance agricultural growth and productivity, while increasing the level and efficiency of farm investments for a broader impact.
Speaking at the launch of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035 and the Kampala Declaration, held in Johannesburg, on Monday, Steenhuisen emphasised that sustained investment in agriculture is critical to eradicating poverty and hunger, while enhancing productivity across the sector.
Hosted by the South African government from 5 to 7 May 2025, the vent is jointly organised by the African Union Commission’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), and the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD).
In his keynote address, Steenhuisen underscored the urgent need of strengthening agricultural resource mobilisation, to address the challenges facing smallholder farmers.
He added that prioritising the efficient allocation of available resources to boost sector productivity, is not only critical, but urgent “if we are to improve agricultural productivity.”
“In this context, evidence-based intra sector prioritisation is vital for improving agricultural resource management. The strategy has highlighted that Africa’s progress over the last twenty years, presents a picture of significant progress though there is evidence of sluggishness currently, which is concerning,” Steenhuisen said.
The Minister also reiterated South Africa’ strong political leadership and commitment to drive the implementation, mutual accountability, and, significantly, the financing required to achieve the aspirations of CAADP.
Tackling data management challenges
Steenhuisen identified data management as a barrier to the effective implementation of the CAADP agri-food systems agenda.
He said with the assistance of the AU, AUDA-NEPAD, development partners, and experts, the leaders must address the challenges related to data management.
“This underscores the importance of emphasising mutual accountability during the Kampala period, concerning investments to bridge data gaps.”
He further highlighted that innovation in the agrifood sector must respond to dynamic local conditions, including co-evolution of pests and diseases, degradation of water and land resources, and climate change.
“Eliminating distortions and resolving market failures hindering technology adoption are essential components of any productivity enhancement program, particularly for smallholder farmers,” the Minister said.
In this context, he said, agricultural policy faces a significant challenge: the simultaneous need to address market failures is often constrained by government resource limitations and the difficulty of properly identifying issues and implementing effective reforms.
He underscored the importance of actively confronting these challenges, “as we embrace the Kampala Agenda and the CAADP strategy.”
Minister Steenhuisen reaffirmed the crucial role of governments in advancing agricultural innovation, saying governments must act as both investors in knowledge creation and advocates for the dissemination of technology.
“This role involves focused public investments and policy reforms that incentivise public institutions and private companies to create knowledge that meets users’ needs throughout the agrifood value chain. Our Agrifood systems entail strengthening coordination among all stakeholders, crafting supportive policy frameworks, and prioritising capacity building alongside robust data and evidence management.
“It has been said during the Kampala Summit that delivering on the Kampala Agenda in the next decade will require re-evaluation of agricultural and nutrition policies that embrace the growing complexities of urbanisation, population growth, the challenges posed by youth, and shifting points of influence in planning,” Steenhuisen said.
He reiterated that addressing hunger and poverty will require a multisectoral approach, particularly in the context of slow economic growth.
“Achieving transformation in [Africa’s] agri-food systems will necessitate extensive data from various sectors to make informed decisions regarding food security and nutrition. This requires addressing data deficiencies, particularly concerning diets, micronutrient levels, and food composition, through systematically gathering information and recognising potential within the food system,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
