IGAD says supporting countries’ efforts in building resilient food systems in the region

Addis Ababa, March 5, 2025 (FMC) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said it is reinforcing its commitment to strengthening food system resilience in the Horn of Africa, as highlighted at the first High-Learning Event for the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), which commenced on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The three-day event, being hosted by the African Union Commission, IGAD, and the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), with support from the World Bank, has brought together senior government officials, international organizations, policymakers, agricultural experts, and private sector stakeholders.

The discussions aim to assess FSRP’s progress, exchange knowledge, and advance collaboration in tackling food security challenges across the region.

Speaking on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s Head of Mission to Ethiopia, Abebaw Bihonegn, underscored the regional bloc’s decisive shift towards a food systems approach to address the growing challenges of food insecurity.

He emphasized that climate change, conflicts, and economic disruptions continue to pose risks to food security, making it imperative for countries in the region to work together on sustainable solutions.

According to Mr. Abebaw, the FSRP, implemented with World Bank support, serves as a key instrument in this effort by fostering regional cooperation and promoting innovative and adaptive agricultural practices.

IGAD’s role in advancing food security extends beyond the FSRP. The regional bloc leads initiatives that focus on resilient agricultural production, sustainable natural resource management, improved market access, and the integration of food security considerations into policymaking, he pointed out.

Abebaw noted that IGAD’s Agriculture and Environment Division plays a central role in driving these programs, ensuring that regional strategies align with national policies and continental efforts under the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP).

Additionally, IGAD’s recent assumption of the chairmanship of the Inter-Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Coordination Platform marks a significant milestone in strengthening regional cooperation on food security.

He also highlighted that this new leadership role will enable IGAD to enhance coordination among regional economic communities, ensuring their active involvement in shaping AU policies and implementing continental food security strategies.

In his opening remarks, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Agriculture, Ifa Muleta, also addressed the gathering, stating partners’ continued support has been instrumental in the success of the FSRP and in building resilience across Eastern and Southern Africa. “The strength of our shared commitment to tackling food security challenges in the region affects the power of partnership, cooperation, and mutual support.”

The State Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to resilient food systems. He outlined the country’s initiatives to combat food insecurity through policy reforms, digital innovation, and climate-adaptive agricultural strategies. “Over the past decade, Ethiopia has made significant strides in improving the nutrition and food security of its population, particularly among women and children. However, we are keenly aware the substantial challenges remain.”

He underscored that Ethiopia remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming the food system and ensuring long-term resilience. “The food system resilience program, along with national initiatives such as the Productive Safety Net Program, the Sekota Declaration, the Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Strategy, and others are central to our approach.”

Mr. Ifa emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable food security and expressed Ethiopia’s strong support for IGAD’s regional initiatives.

According to him, the event serves as a platform for countries to exchange best practices, align priorities, and develop actionable strategies to build food systems that are more resilient to climate, economic, and political shocks.

The State Minister called on stakeholders and countries of the region to work closely by fostering collaboration, leveraging technology, and implementing sustainable solutions to ensure long-term food security across Eastern and Southern Africa.

Mr. Ifa added, “We’ll continue to work closely with all of you, leveraging our women and demand in our region has access to nutrition they deserve. By fostering collaboration, exchanging knowledge, and supporting one another, we can create a future of food security, resilience, and sustainable development for all. Together, let’s seize the opportunity to strengthen our partnership and drive lasting change for our food systems, our communities, and our future.”