Addis Ababa: The First High-Level Learning Event on the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa will kick off tomorrow, from March 4 to 6, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the African Union Commission, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), with support from the World Bank, are set to host this significant event. The gathering aims to bring together high-level policymakers, agricultural experts, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to assess progress, exchange knowledge, and elevate the visibility of FSRP initiatives designed to strengthen food system resilience across the region.
The event is anticipated to discuss the achievements of FSRP at both national and regional levels, serving as a platform to learn lessons and best practices in food systems resilience. It will also focus on identifying and promoting successful interventions for wider adoption, while exploring the role of digital technologies and trade integration in reinforcing food security.
Daher Elmi, Director for Agriculture and Environment Division at IGAD, emphasized the importance of food systems resilience in sustainable development across Africa. He stated that the event would be a platform to assess progress, strengthen institutional learning, and scale up successful interventions to improve food security across Eastern and Southern Africa. Elmi highlighted the opportunity to showcase experiences, exchange best practices, and forge stronger collaborations to ensure resilient and adaptive food systems.
Prof. Cliff Sibusiso Dlamini, CCARDESA Executive Director and Head of Mission, remarked on the critical nature of the event for strengthening regional collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance food systems resilience. He noted that the event provides Southern Africa with an opportunity to showcase progress, exchange best practices, and align strategies to address food insecurity, climate change, and agricultural sustainability. Dlamini reiterated CCARDESA’s commitment to fostering institutional learning and innovation, ensuring that investments in agricultural resilience lead to long-term food security and economic growth in the region.
Ministers, regional economic communities, agricultural experts, policy influencers, and representatives from international organizations are expected to attend the event.