The AU agriculture summit in Uganda focuses on sustainability and food self-sufficiency amidst climate change challenges and rising food prices. Ministers discuss strategies to adapt agricultural practices to mitigate these issues and develop a 10-year action plan for food security on the continent.
The African Union (AU) summit on agriculture commenced in Kampala, Uganda, on January 9, gathering agricultural ministers and over 2,000 delegates from across Africa. This summit aims to address sustainable agricultural practices and enhance food production systems in response to the climate change crisis. Participants are assessing the impact of recent extreme weather events, including droughts and floods, which have significantly increased food prices and affected food security on the continent.
Amid rising global temperatures and escalating instances of food insecurity, the AU summit serves as a platform for African leaders to strategize ways to bolster food self-sufficiency. Recent warnings from climate experts highlight that 2024 marks a critical point where global temperatures surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Furthermore, the UN Conference on Trade and Development has reported a substantial rise in global food insecurity, emphasizing the urgent need for effective agricultural policies and practices that can withstand the effects of climate change.
In conclusion, the AU agriculture summit presents a pivotal opportunity for African ministers to formulate a comprehensive 10-year action plan aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency in light of climate challenges. The evident increase in food prices due to environmental factors necessitates immediate action to adapt farming techniques to promote sustainability and resilience in the agricultural sector.
Original Source: northafricapost.com