In a pivotal move to address the escalating food insecurity crisis in the Horn of Africa, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high-level expert meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, to validate the End-Term Review Report of its Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) for 2016–2020.
This critical forum marks the foundation for the development of the next phase, the Regional Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan (RASIP), designed to tackle food insecurity, climate shocks, and cross-border vulnerabilities affecting millions across the region.
Addressing a Regional Crisis
The Horn of Africa faces a dire humanitarian challenge, with over 62 million people grappling with food insecurity as of 2024, according to Dr. Mohyeldeen Eltohami Taha Hamed, IGAD’s Director for Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration.
Recurrent climate shocks, including droughts and floods, coupled with conflict and economic instability, have exacerbated hunger and malnutrition in IGAD member states, which include Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
The Nairobi meeting brought together policymakers, agricultural experts, development partners, and stakeholders from across the region to evaluate the successes and shortcomings of the RAIP and lay the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive agricultural framework under RASIP.
“This is a call to reinforce collaboration between ministries, sectors, and development actors,” Dr. Mohyeldeen emphasized, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to build sustainable food systems.
Reflecting on RAIP’s Legacy
Launched in alignment with the 2014 Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation, the RAIP (2016–2020) focused on key pillars: sustainable resource use, rural infrastructure development, increased food production, and agricultural research and innovation.
The plan aimed to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience while addressing systemic challenges such as land degradation, limited market access, and inadequate investment in smallholder farming.
The End-Term Review Report, discussed at the Nairobi forum, highlighted RAIP’s achievements, including improved irrigation infrastructure, enhanced seed systems, and strengthened regional trade in agricultural products.
However, gaps remain, particularly in scaling up climate-smart agriculture and addressing cross-border vulnerabilities such as pest outbreaks and livestock diseases.
These findings will inform the strategic direction of RASIP, ensuring it builds on past successes while addressing emerging challenges.
Shaping the Future with RASIP
The Regional Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan represents IGAD’s forward-looking approach to transforming agriculture and food systems in the Horn of Africa.
Unlike its predecessor, RASIP will adopt a holistic agri-food systems perspective, encompassing not only production but also processing, distribution, and consumption.
This approach aligns with the 2025 Kampala Declaration and the African Union’s post-Malabo agenda, which prioritize sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth.
RASIP’s key objectives include:
- Enhancing Food Security: Increasing access to nutritious and affordable food through improved agricultural productivity and diversified food systems.
- Building Climate Resilience: Promoting climate-smart practices, such as drought-resistant crops and sustainable land management, to mitigate the impact of environmental shocks.
- Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation: Addressing regional challenges like transboundary pests, livestock diseases, and trade barriers through harmonized policies and investments.
- Empowering Vulnerable Communities: Supporting smallholder farmers, women, youth, and pastoralists with access to finance, technology, and markets.
- Fostering Innovation and Research: Investing in agricultural research and digital tools to drive productivity and sustainability.
A Call for Collaboration
The success of RASIP hinges on robust partnerships among IGAD member states, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organizations.
Dr. Mohyeldeen urged stakeholders to align their efforts with regional and continental frameworks, emphasizing that fragmented approaches have historically undermined progress in addressing food insecurity.
Development partners, including the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have expressed support for IGAD’s initiative, pledging technical and financial assistance to operationalize RASIP.
Additionally, the plan will leverage private sector investment to scale up agro-processing and value addition, creating jobs and boosting regional trade.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While RASIP holds immense promise, its implementation faces significant hurdles. Limited funding, weak institutional capacities, and ongoing conflicts in parts of the region could impede progress.
Moreover, the impacts of climate change continue to pose a formidable threat, with projections indicating more frequent and severe weather events in the Horn of Africa.
However, the region also has unique strengths to build upon. The Horn of Africa’s youthful population offers a dynamic workforce for agricultural innovation, while its vast arable land and diverse agro-ecological zones provide opportunities for sustainable farming.
By harnessing these assets and fostering regional integration, RASIP could position IGAD member states as leaders in agri-food system transformation.
A Step Toward a Food-Secure Future
The validation of the RAIP End-Term Review Report and the launch of RASIP mark a turning point in IGAD’s efforts to combat food insecurity and build resilient food systems.
As the region prepares for the next phase of its agricultural transformation, the Nairobi meeting serves as a reminder of the urgency and complexity of the task at hand.
With over 62 million lives at stake, IGAD’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity will be critical to achieving a food-secure and prosperous Horn of Africa. As Dr. Mohyeldeen aptly stated, “This is not just a plan—it’s a shared vision for a region where no one goes hungry.”
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