The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced plans to domesticate the African Union’s Kampala Declaration as part of ongoing efforts to achieve food security and sufficiency in Nigeria.
To advance this goal, the Ministry in partnership with non-state actors, international development agencies, and civil society groups, has convened a National Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Summit in Abuja.
The Kampala Declaration, established in 2025, was designed to transform Africa’s food systems through increased production, boosting intra-African trade, halving post-harvest losses, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. It also highlights the importance of climate-smart agriculture, research, and innovation in strengthening food systems.
Speaking at the summit, the CAADP National Focal Person at the Ministry, Emmanuel Onojighofia, explained that the declaration, adopted by African Union Member States, goes beyond agriculture to embrace a broader agrifood systems approach. He said the framework outlines six strategic objectives which include production, trade, investment, food security, inclusivity, and governance.
Onojighofia stated that the summit offers Nigerian civil society organizations and non-state actors the opportunity to examine these priorities and align their advocacy. “The Kampala Declaration is not just a policy statement, it is a call to action. Collective action and collaboration among stakeholders are essential in driving agrifood system transformation and ensuring sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience,” he said.
Food Systems Specialist with ActionAid Nigeria, Azubike Nwokoye, urged non-state actors to strengthen their accountability roles to ensure Nigeria effectively implements the declaration and meets its goals within the next decade. He stressed the importance of innovative approaches, research, and evidence-based advocacy to drive increased funding for critical areas such as access to agricultural credit, youth and women participation, labour saving technologies, extension services, storage, processing, and transport facilities.
Advisor with the Global Project on Sustainable Agricultural Systems and Policies at GIZ, Precious Jacdonmi, highlighted the vital role of non-state actors in shaping the country’s agricultural future. She noted that successful domestication of the Kampala Declaration will depend on meaningful engagement from grassroots actors, policy influencers, and advocates of inclusiveness.