AU, Agra sign pact to grow agriculture sector
The African Union (AU) commission has called on concerted efforts if Africa is to win its fight against hunger.
AU commissioner for rural economy and agriculture Rhoda Peace Timusiime, made the remarks on Thursday in Maputo, Mozambique, during a signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Alliance for a Green Revolution of Africa (Agra) and its partners.
The pact was signed by Tmusiime, Agra president Jane Karuku, and the managing director for the Rockefeller Foundation at the Africa regional office, Mamadou Biteye.
The foundation is one of the major partners of the green alliance.
Tmusiime explained that the deal was inspired by the institution’s complementary objectives of promoting food security through accelerated agricultural development.
The parties, therefore, decided to enter into this cooperation agreement which provides a framework for their intended collaboration.
“The MoU is a reaffirmation of the need to work together. For Africa to achieve food security, no one should work in isolation. Even money is not enough to defeat hunger,” said Tmusiime.
In an interview, Karuku said the agreement, which carries no financial commitment, is a “great breakthrough in Agra´s existence”.
Said Karuku: “The MoU has come at a right time, as it aims to support strong implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) at national, regional and continental level.
