Kampala Declaration on Agriculture

January 16, 2025

The Extraordinary African Union Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) concluded in Kampala, Uganda, on January 11, 2025. The summit adopted the Kampala Declaration, which sets a transformative agenda for Africa’s agri-food systems from 2026 to 2035. This declaration succeeds the Malabo Declaration, marking shift towards a comprehensive agri-food systems approach to tackle food security and agricultural productivity challenges across the continent.

Background of CAADP

The CAADP was launched in July 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique. It aimed to address low agricultural productivity and food insecurity in Africa. The Maputo Declaration urged Member States to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture.

Malabo Declaration Overview

In 2014, the Malabo Declaration expanded CAADP’s framework. It introduced targets such as eradicating hunger, tripling intra-African trade, and enhancing resilience. However, progress has been slow, with no Member State meeting the goal of ending hunger by 2025.

Food Security Challenges

As of 2024, 20.4% of Africa’s population experiences hunger. The continent faces food security issues, with 58% of people grappling with food insecurity. Malnutrition and rising obesity rates further complicate the situation.

Impact of Recent Shocks

Africa’s agricultural sector has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, internal conflicts, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change. These events brought into light the need for a renewed CAADP agenda.

Post-Malabo Agenda

The post-Malabo agenda, adopted in 2025, introduces an agri-food systems approach. This new framework aims to build resilient systems that address challenges across the food value chain while aligning with broader development goals.

Focus on Sustainability and Resilience

The agenda prioritises environmental sustainability and aims to combat malnutrition. It promotes diverse and nutritious diets, recognising the interconnectedness of agriculture, nutrition, and economic development.

Challenges in Resilience Building

Only two African countries were on track to meet resilience-building targets in 2023. The slow progress in this area hampers efforts to end hunger and reduce poverty.

Significance of the Kampala Declaration

The Kampala Declaration signifies a commitment to modernising Africa’s agricultural sectors. It advocates for climate-smart innovations and technologies to ensure food security for a projected population of 2.5 billion by 2050.

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