10th European Union-African Union Commission-to-Commission meeting

27 February 2020. Addis Ababa. The College of Commissioners of both the European Commission and the African Union Commission meet regularly to provide political guidance to the AU-EU Partnership.

Alternating between the cities of Brussels and Addis Ababa, the meetings aim to be an interactive exchange of expertise and constructive debate on areas of shared interest. In addition, they provide an opportunity to review progress made on the Partnership, to improve cooperation between the two institutions, and to focus on what they can learn from each other with regard to common priorities and challenges.

See: Statement of H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission at the AU-EU College to College Meeting

The EU and the African Union (AU) discussed how to take foward their cooperation to address key challenges both Europe and Africa are facing such as the need to promote sustainable growth and jobs, green transition, digital transformation, peace, security and good governance, mobility and migration.

The meeting was also an opportunity for the EU side to consult its African partners on the upcoming comprehensive Africa Strategy which President von der Leyen promised to deliver in her first 100 days in office and is due to be presented in early March.

The presentation of this important document will kick-start a wider consultation process that will lead up to the EU-AU Ministerial meeting in May 2020 in Kigali, Rwanda, and the upcoming EU-AU Summit in October in Brussels,

Frans Timmermans, Josefa Sacko,
Virginijus Sinkevičius

where both sides will agree a joint approach on shared priorities.

Background:

The last AU-EU Commission-to-Commission meeting took place in Brussels, Belgium, on 23 May 2018. AU and EU Commissioners adopted measures to address pressing global issues in key areas such as peace and security, migration, job creation and agriculture. This new meeting follows the official visit to African Union Headquarters and to Ethiopia by H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in December 2019.

A record number of College members attends the 10th European Union-African Union Commission-to-Commission meeting.

• President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen
• Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell, 
• Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, 
• Vice-President for a Europe fit for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, 
• Vice-President for an Economy that works for people, Valdis Dombrovskis, 
• Vice-President for Inter-institutional Relations and Foresight, Maroš Šefčovič, 
• Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, 
• Vice-President for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, 
• Vice-President for Promoting our European way of life, Margaritis Schinas

Commissioners:

• Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen
• Commissioner for Trade, Phil Hogan
• Commissioner for Innovation and Youth, Mariya Gabriel 
• Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit
•  Commissioner for Economy, Paolo Gentiloni
• Commissioner for Agriculture, Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski
• Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira
• Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders
• Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli
• Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, 
• Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič
• Commissioner for Transport, Adina Ioana Vălean
• Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson
• Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius

Related:
21 June 2019. On the occasion of the third African Union – European Union agricultural ministerial conference, African Union and the European Union representatives endorsed a Political Declaration, accompanied by an action agenda, with the overall aim of further strengthening the Africa-EU partnership in food and farming at all levels.

From climate action to an African-European farmers’ cooperation programme, these actions build on the recommendations put forward by the Task Force Rural Africa back in March 2019, an agri-food and rural agenda for the new ‘Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs' unveiled by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in September 2018.

Peut-on concilier sécurité alimentaire et biodiversité ?

24 February 2020. Paris. L’histoire de l’agriculture et celle des sociétés soulèvent donc une question majeure : comment concilier sécurité alimentaire et conservation de la biodiversité ?

Le Cirad et  l‘AFD - Agence Française de Développement, dans le cadre de leur participation conjointe au Salon International de l’Agriculture #SIA2020 , ont organisé une conférence « Peut-on concilier sécurité alimentaire et biodiversité ? » sur cette question, thème d’actualité en cette année 2020 dont l’agenda politique et scientifique international est marqué par la biodiversité (Congrès mondial de la nature de l’IUCN en juin, COP biodiversité d’octobre).

Programme de la conférence

• Animateur de la conférence : Daniel Fievet, Journaliste scientifique, producteur de l'émission "Du vent dans les synapses", France Inter
• Michel Eddi, Président directeur général, CIRAD
• Bertrand Walckenaer , Directeur général délégué, Agence française de développement (AFD)

« Quand l’agriculture fait sociétés, la biodiversité comme indicateur »

• Juanita Chavez , Conseillère principale en ressources génétiques pour des organisations internationales (UN Women Colombia, Forum mondial sur la recherche agricole et l’innovation GFAR/FAO)
• Pierre-Marie Aubert, Coordinateur, Initiative Agriculture européenne, Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI)
• Marc Dufumier, Ingénieur agronome, docteur en géographie et professeur honoraire d’agriculture comparée à AgroParisTech, Président de Commerce équitable France
• Nicolas Bricas, Chercheur, socio-économiste de l'alimentation, Cirad, Titulaire de la Chaire Unesco Alimentations du Monde

«Comment concilier sécurité alimentaire et biodiversité ?» 

• Modérateur : Henri Bies Péré , Président, Agriculteurs Français et Développement International (AFDI)
• Ibrahima Coulibaly, Président, Réseau des organisations paysannes et des producteurs agricoles de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (ROPPA)
• Bernard Giraud, Président et co-fondateur, Livelihoods
• Leonard Mizzi, Chef d’unité Développement rural, sécurité alimentaire et nutrition à la DG DEVCO, Commission européenne
• Cyriaque N. Sendashonga, Directrice mondiale des politiques et des programmes, Union internationale pour la Conservation de la nature (UICN)

Temoignages

Pascal Danthu, écologue au Cirad présente le poivre sauvage "Tsyperifery" cultivé à Madagascar. Il possède des propriétés gustatives et médicinales qui font de lui un poivre courtisé, vendu environ 200 €/kg alors que la rémunération des producteurs Malgaches est de quelques centimes d'euros. Comment sauvegarder la biodiversité de ce poivre ? Comment rendre cette filière durable et plus éthique ?

Didier Bazile, agroécologue au Cirad nous parle de perte de biodiversité et d'agriculture. Selon un

rapport de l'IPBES publié en 2019, l'agriculture serait le premier facteur d'extinction des espèces.

Rapport IPBES (ONU) sur la biodiversité publié le 6 mai 2019 (à télécharger)

• IPBES signifie en anglais : Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, soit en français : Plateforme intergouvernementale sur la biodiversité et les services écosystémiques.
• Créé sous l’égide des Nations unies en 2012, l’IPBES fournit aux décideurs politiques des évaluations scientifiques sur l’état des connaissances relatif à la biodiversité, et aux écosystèmes. La 7ème réunion plénière (IPBES-7) a été réuni à Paris du 29 avril au 4 mai 2019 au siège de l’UNESCO.

Raphaël Maréchal explique la biodiversité des sols

Bruno Michel explique les fonctions des insectes

 Le Cirad, l'Agence française pour le développement et Expertise France signent un accord de collaboration pour mobiliser au mieux la recherche les financements et expertises pour répondre aux grands enjeux de développement des pays du Sud. 

The future of food and agricultural transformation

26 February 2020. Brussels. The last Brussels Development Briefing n.60 on “The future of food and agricultural transformation” was organised by CTA, the European Commission/EuropeAid, the ACP Secretariat and CONCORD.

The briefing presented trends and discussed the sustainable and healthy food systems, the future of work in agriculture and the need for new skills in very complex food chains, the effects of disruptive innovations, fair and inclusive value chains and trade.

Note and Programme
Biodata of Speakers

Introductory remarks: Patrick Gomes, Secretary General, ACP Group ; Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit Rural Development, Food Security, Nutrition, Europeaid, European Commission; Michael Hailu, Director, CTA.

Panel on the future of food and agriculture 

• Trends and critical issues to look forward : food systems in motion Patrick Caron, Co-President Foresight4Food, Vice-President University of Montpellier, Cirad 
• Incentivizing food systems transformation through innovations Sean de Cleene Head of Food Systems Initiative and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum 
• Partnerships for transforming the world’s food system Fabrice DeClerck, EAT Science Director and Scientist of the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT 
• Farmers and food systems: What future for small-scale agriculture? Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Panafrican Farmers Organisation 
• What agrifood challenges and opportunities ahead for Small-Island Developing States? Len Ishmael, Advisor, Global Affairs Brussels Diplomatic Academy; Vrije Universiteit Brussel ; Visiting Professor at the Mohammed V1 University, Morocco 
• Farmer-led food systems at the core of agricultural transformation Marissa Ryan, Global Deputy Director of Advocacy, Head of Oxfam's EU

Upcoming events:
27/02 Addis Abeba. The 10th African Union (AU)- European Union (EU) Commission-to-Commission Meeting
04/03. Brussels. Launch Africa-EU strategy
October 2020. Brussels. 6th EU-African Union Summit 

Unlocking the potential of Open Data to promote Agribusiness for Youths in Africa

24 February 2020. The Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN) Webinar - Unlocking the potential of Open Data to promote Agribusiness for Youths in Africa.

In this webinar, Stephen Kalyesubula and Paul Kasoma, YITEDEV-Ug (Youths in Technology and Development Uganda) shared some of the biological and technological pathways taken to unlock the value of on-farm-off-farm data and also promote sustainable Agribusiness among the youths in Uganda. They also shared how the desert locust wave is sweeping farms in Uganda and the future implications of this outbreak to Ugandan farmers, while highlighting the relevance and the benefits of the Agri-Data Forum.

Video recording forthcoming

• Stephen Kalyesubula is a certified computer engineer from Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda with 4 years’ experience in embedded system design, network engineering and software development. He works among others as a project manager at Youths in Technology and Development Uganda (YITEDEV-Uganda) focusing on Data for Agriculture. 
• Paul Kasoma is an agro-Technologist, a data scientist, Information systems developer as well as a trainer,

Transforming global food systems under climate change: Achieving zero emissions

25 February 2020.  Copenhagen. Organised by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).  Transforming global food systems under climate change: Achieving zero emissions. 

There has been a growing call among key food systems and climate change stakeholders for transformative changes in the way we produce and consume food. This event focused on three solutions for making our food systems more climate-friendly, drawn from a report by a Panel of Experts to be released in early 2020:

• Driving progressive change through collaboration between industry and social movements: facts, youth and networking
• Towards healthy and sustainable climate-friendly diets: current shifts and likely future scenarios
• Reducing food loss and waste

This event brought together leading figures in the food system—farmers, consumers, policy makers, researchers, activists and more—in order to attempt to reach consensus on some of the priority solutions, and stimulate greater ambition for a climate-friendly world, as well as greater collaboration between food producers and consumers.

"Why is agriculture our biggest
opportunity to address climatechange?
It’s responsible for 75% of freshwater use,
26% of GHGs, and 78% of eutrophication,
and uses 87% of ice-free, non-desert land"
- Andrew Campbell

Recordings of the sessions are available on this page 

Session 1: Opportunities to advance transformative actions in food systems 

• Chair: Ana Maria Loboguerrero, Head of Global Policy Research, CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) 
• Scene-setting: Challenges and opportunities for reducing emissions in the food system Andrew Campbell (see picture), CEO, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
  
• Rising to the challenge: An industry committing Anne Lawaetz Arhnung, CEO, Danish Agriculture and Food Council 
• Transparency and accountability: Guidance for target setting and measuring progress Tony Siantonas (see picture), Director, Climate-Smart Agriculture, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
  
  The CEO Guide to Food System Transformation (34 pages),

  

  CEO’s guide to Food System
  Transformation

  
  is a new report produced by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in partnership with Bain and Company, serves as a call to action for business leaders to transform our global food system in the next decade.

Panel discussion: Role of social movements and consumers in fostering change in the food system 

• Chair: Christian Bugge Henriksen, Associate Professor and Research Group Leader, University of Copenhagen 
• Hege Skarrud, President, Spire, Norway 
• Sithembile Ndema Mwamakamba (see picture), Senior Program Manager, Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) 
• Ben Reynolds, Deputy Chief Executive, Sustain, UK

Session 2: Transformation in practice 

• Zero carbon agriculture: is it feasible? Liam Condon, President, Bayer Crop Science 
• Reducing emissions from a business perspective Jais Valeur, CEO, Danish Crown
  
• Making change happen Selina Juul, Founder, Stop Wasting Food Movement 
• Social movements and our food system Sophie Healy-Thow, Lead Group Member, Scaling up Nutrition (SUN), Ireland 

Session 3: Rising to the challenge: Stepping up transformative actions to reduce emissions in food systems 
Reducing emissions in food systems: What is needed and what is the way forward 

• Chair: Katrine Krogh Andersen, Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen 
• Ida Auken, Member of Parliament, Denmark 
• Katherine Richardson, Leader, Sustainability Science Centre, University of Copenhagen 
• Mauricio Graber, CEO, Chr. Hansen Holding 
• Dhanush Dinesh, Global Policy Engagement Manager, CCAFS

Related:

CCAFS indentified 5 areas with the potential to redefine the way food systems function.

Adaptation and development pathways for different types of farmers 
2 page brief and full report 
Transforming food systems under climate change: Local to global policy as a catalyst for change
2 page brief and full report 
Changing diets and transforming food systems
2 page brief and full report
Future technologies and food systems innovation for accelerating progress towards the SDGs2 page brief 
Financing the transformation of food systems under a changing climate
2 page brief and full report 

FARADataInformS _ Trending Issues: Launch of the Seed Revolving Fund, Youth Engagement and Gender Inclusion Initiative in Tanzania

A Seed Revolving Fund initiative for sorghum and groundnut value chains has been launched in Tanzania to tackle the challenge of limited access of quality seeds of improved varieties in rural regions. The ‘Seed Revolving Fund, Youth Engagement and Gender Inclusion’ initiative will work with research institutions, seed companies, agro dealers, grain off-takers, farmer organizations and youths. It will draw insights from a similar fund for pigeon pea and groundnut that was successful in 

Malawi. The initiative is designed to be gender inclusive as well as youth responsive. 

In Tanzania, farmers generally source low-quality seeds from the grain market, eventually compromising the productivity and quality of grain. This is despite the release of many improved varieties of groundnut and sorghum that tackle different biotic and abiotic stresses. There is a high demand for high-quality groundnut and sorghum grains in Tanzania. 

However, while off-takers are unable to obtain the groundnut grain volumes and quality that they need for their destination markets, farmers who grow improved varieties and use best agricultural practices struggle to access markets for their surplus production. The initiative offers a unique and rare opportunity to young men and women to contribute to enhancing quality at the different nodes of the value chains, thereby meeting the needs of the off-takers. To ensure that the knowledge on quality seeds of improved varieties reaches the targeted farmers, the initiative will work in collaboration with the Centre for Behavior Change and Communication (CBCC Africa) to develop social and behavior change communication initiatives that are aimed at increasing farmers knowledge and trust for quality seeds of improved varieties. This will, in turn, increase the adoption of quality seeds of improved variety. Mr Phillip Kinyota from CBCC Africa noted, “Often people’s behavior is molded by their communities, and thus, before changing how one individual functions, the entire community should be sensitized. Hence our holistic approach to behavior change”. Through facilitated process, the meeting identified potential commodity corridors for both groundnuts and sorghum. Implementable action plans were discussed in the corridor teams that had a grain aggregator, a private seed company, and government administrators.

At the launch, Hon Robart Msalika, Regional Administrative Secretary, Tabora Region, highlighted the youth engagement and gender inclusion aspect of the initiative, saying, “This effort is well aligned to the Tanzania government’s priorities and initiatives in which there is a policy for regional governments/district councils to set aside 10% of revenue generated to support women empowerment (4%), youth engagement (4%), and persons with disabilities (2%).”

Dr Esther Njuguna, Senior Gender Scientist, ICRISAT ESA, spoke on behalf of the Regional Program Director, ICRISAT ESA, as she acknowledged and appreciated strong partnerships among national institutions in Tanzania and funds from donors. She explained how the initiative could reach, benefit and achieve gender and youth empowerment through seed systems by involving stakeholders across all the value chains from the onset.

Dr Essegbemon Akpo, Seed Systems Specialist, ICRISAT ESA, explained that the revolving fund covered all seed classes – pre-basic, basic, certified and Quality Declared Seed (QDS). “The SRF has been put in place to fill the gaps in the private sector that currently limit them from diversifying their portfolio to include grain legumes and cereals,” he added.


Source from: CGIAR

www.faradatainforms.faraafrica.org

Scaling Readiness: A scientific approach to scaling innovations

Sartas, M, Schut, M, van Schagen, B, Velasco, C, Thiele, G, Proietti, C and Leeuwis, C. 2020. Scaling Readiness: Concepts, Practices, and Implementation. CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB). January 2020.

Scaling innovations is one of the biggest challenges facing research and development organizations. The international community invests significant resources in the design and testing of innovations to overcome key challenges such as food insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation.

Many of those innovations start as a bright idea that is then developed in a laboratory, to be tested subsequently with end-users. Although initial results and testing are often promising, few lead to real impact at scale.

Scaling Readiness aims to support organizations, projects, and programs in achieving their ambitions to scale innovations. 

• It encourages critical reflection on how ‘ready’ innovations are for scaling and what appropriate actions could accelerate or enhance scaling. 
• Scaling Readiness treats innovation as a flexible package of technological, organizational, and institutional components that may include crop varieties, machines or equipment, crop production practices, legislation, and marketing campaigns.
• It provides scientific tools to support decision making on what are the scaling bottlenecks to address what could be the most cost-effective scaling strategy and which partners to engage.
• Through its standardized data collection and analysis approach, Scaling Readiness can be used to monitor a portfolio of innovation and scaling investments. 
• It also supports prioritization, and decisions on the advancement of those innovations that can achieve societal outcomes at scale in the most resource-efficient way.

Please visit the Scaling Readiness website or download directly the Scaling Readiness Guidelines for more information.

Background:

For the past three years, a group of dedicated scientists representing Wageningen University and the CGIAR have worked on the design and testing of Scaling Readiness. During this period, Scaling Readiness components contributed to scaling activities of more than 20 projects in 25 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

Some examples include high-quality cassava peels for animal feed in Nigeria, and sweetpotato puree for use in processed products in Uganda, Kenya, and Malawi. Although developed to support the scaling of agricultural innovations, Scaling Readiness principles can be applied to enhance the scaling of innovation in other sectors, including education, health, sanitation, and energy.

CGIAR ‘Big Lifts’ workshop

5–7 February 2020. Eschborn, Germany. The CGIAR ‘Big Lifts’ workshop provided multi-stakeholder input towards the implementation of SRG recommendations 1 (mission) and 4 (new research modality).

Recommendations 1 (mission)
Develop a 2030 Research Strategy anchored in a unifying mission of “Ending hunger by 2030 – through science to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis”, focused on five Impact Areas of nutrition, poverty, gender, climate, and environment. Target date: 2030 Research Strategy, reflecting agreed Mission and Impact Areas, by end-2020 

Recommendations 4 (new research modality)

 A New Research Modality: Implement a phased approach to research delivery that aligns structure and accountabilities with the imperative of seeking multiple benefits across CGIAR’s Impact Areas, anchored in large integrative CGIAR Projects, co-creation with partners, and enhanced performance and results management. Target date: New arrangement ready for implementation from 1 January 2022 with key preparatory steps taken in advance.

What’s next for CGIAR?

Funders defined Big Lifts structurally: a compelling, strategic and large multi-donor fully funded Research for Development (R4D) program that constitutes the shared agenda. Science leaders defined it substantially: a Big Lift is a major outcome responding to a major challenge.

Pooled and harmonized funding with the system constitutes only roughly 25% of total funding, while the rest is dispersed over 2,500 projects agreed with centers. No wonder CGIAR is underperforming on its collective potential. No wonder centers are reluctant to release on their independence. But among funders the mood is changing too.

Background

The Transition Consultation Forum (TCF) was established in January 2020 at the invitation of the Chair of the CGIAR System Council as a discussion and consultation platform to provide multi-stakeholder input and advice on the transition to One CGIAR.

• One CGIAR refers to a future, more unified and integrated CGIAR, as set out in the recommendations of the System Reference Group (SRG) and endorsed by the CGIAR System Council at its 9th meeting in November 2019.
• The TCF comprises members of the CGIAR System Council, all members of the CGIAR System Management Board (SMB), all Center Board Chairs and Directors General, and the Chair of the Independent Science for Development Council (ISDC).
• The forum is co-chaired by Aly Abousabaa (DG ICARDA), convener of Center Directors General, Nicole Birrell, convener of Center Board Chairs, Tony Cavalieri, System Council member, and Marco Ferroni, SMB Chair.

The System Reference Group (SRG) was established by the CGIAR System Council in 2018 to bring together Funders, Centers, and partner countries to develop forward-looking recommendations on CGIAR’s research focus, delivery model, and institutional structure.

Co-chaired by Tony Cavalieri (see picture) of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Marco Ferroni (see picture), Chair of the System Management Board, the group’s membership comprised 22 persons:

• CGIAR Funders/partners – 11 persons drawn from the membership of the CGIAR System Council, including representation of regional constituencies where CGIAR operates;
• CGIAR System Management Board – 9 members, including 6 Center-affiliated members (Center Board members or Directors General), and the Executive Director of the CGIAR System Organization; and
• 2019 conveners of CGIAR Center Boards of Trustees and Directors General.

Upcoming events

23–25 March, 2020. Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In-person meeting of the Transition Consultation Forum (TCF) + General Assembly 

5–6 May, 2020. 17th meeting of the the CGIAR System Management Board (SMB)
9–10 June, 2020. Berlin, Germany 10th meeting of the CGIAR System Council.

Place des agricultures européennes dans le monde à l’horizon 2050

14 February 2020. Colloque : Agricultures européennes à l’horizon 2050.

Video recordings of the conference are available here.

Place des agricultures européennes dans les échanges mondiaux à horizon 2050 (février 2020, 164 pages).

This study (only available in French) examines the evolution of Europe's place in world trade in agricultural products by 2050, taking into account the future effects of climate change on agricultural productivity, and the environmental impacts of the uses of land.

• This study provides elements for better anticipating and guiding public policies. This work will also be extended under the European Green Pact, one of the commitments which aims to reduce the use of agricultural inputs. 
• To what extent could European agriculture contribute to global food security by 2050? 
• Do they have room for maneuver to preserve the natural environments threatened by the extension of cultivated areas? 
• Is it possible to reconcile these different objectives? 

These questions are crucial for the governance of the societies in Europe and internationally. 

The INRAE study, delivers estimates by distinguishing 21 regions of the world including 8 in Europe in order to account for the heterogeneity of agriculture on this continent, usually considered as a single region in the global prospective literature.

=====================================================
Place des agricultures européennes dans les échanges mondiaux à horizon 2050 (février 2020, 164 pages)

Cette étude s’interroge sur l’évolution de la place de l’Europe dans les échanges mondiaux de produits agricoles à l’horizon 2050, compte tenu des effets à venir du changement climatique sur la productivité agricole, et des impacts environnementaux des usages des terres. 

Elle s’inscrit dans la continuité de travaux prospectifs sur l’évolution de la sécurité alimentaire mondiale tels que ceux conduits par INRAE, la FAO (Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture), ou encore l’IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute). Elle a été conduite INRAE (Délégation à l'Expertise scientifique collective, à la Prospective et aux Etudes) à la demande de l’association Pluriagri.

Cette étude fournit des éléments pour mieux anticiper et orienter les politiques publiques. Ces travaux trouveront en outre un prolongement dans le cadre du Pacte vert européen dont l’un des engagements vise à réduire l’usage des intrants en agriculture.

• Dans quelle mesure les agricultures européennes pourraient-elles contribuer à la sécurité alimentaire mondiale à l’horizon 2050 ? 
• Disposent-elles des marges de manœuvre pour préserver les milieux naturels menacés par l’extension des surfaces cultivées ? 
• Est-il possible de concilier ces différents objectifs ? 

Ces questions sont capitales pour la gouvernance de nos sociétés en Europe et à l’international. L’étude INRAE,  livre des estimations réalisées avec un niveau de finesse inédit en distinguant 21 régions du monde dont 8 en Europe afin de rendre compte de l’hétérogénéité des agricultures de ce continent, habituellement considéré comme une seule région dans la littérature prospective mondiale.

Investing in Sustainable Food Systems to End Hunger by 2030

11 and 12 February 2020. The IFAD forty-third session, focused on the overarching theme – Investing in sustainable food systems to end hunger by 2030. The theme highlighted how IFAD's role and experience in supporting sustainable, inclusive, nutritious and efficient food systems uniquely place it in a position to contribute to SDG2.

IFAD President Gilbert Houngbo called on Member States to contribute to the Fund’s 12th replenishment. IFAD aims to double its impact on the lives of the world’s most marginalized people by 2030, with a proposed USD 30 billion programme of work over the next 10 years.

The IFAD Council also approved the election of Indonesia as Chair of Governing Council for the 2020-2022 biennium. [FAO Press Release] [UNOSSC Press Release]

Extract of the agenda:

Investing in Sustainable Food Systems to End Hunger by 2030: A conversation with IFAD's Governors

Synthesis of deliberations of the Farmers' Forum

 

IFAD’s Case for Investment: Investing in rural prosperity, food and resilience to reduce poverty and hunger in a changing climate 

12 February 2020 – Against the backdrop of escalating global instability, government and development leaders made an urgent call for greater investment in rural development to address hunger and poverty caused by conflict and climate change.

“We all agree on the severity of the situation and that there is no time to lose. We need to scale up our actions and leverage our resources in order to eliminate poverty and hunger,” said Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), at the final day of the Fund’s 43rd Governing Council meeting.

Rural people urgently need support and investment to achieve sustainable food security, mitigate the danger of climate change and build stable and prosperous communities. This short animation outlines why increased investment through IFAD's Twelfth Replenishment is crucial to reaching SDG 1 and 2.

The Food Challenge toxic pesticides in Kenya

Posted on YouTube 16 January 2020. Concerns have been raised about the safety of food in Kenya. In particular, the increased prevalence of harmful chemical pesticides. At least 33% of pesticide active ingredients that are currently registered and being sold in products in Kenya, have been withdrawn from the European market, due to their serious potential impact on human and environmental health. There are products on the Kenyan market, which are certainly classified as carcinogenic (45 products), mutagenic (31 products), endocrine disrupting (51 products), neurotoxic (175 products) and many which show clear effects on reproduction (360 products). The implications on farmers and consumers are significant and worrying.

Ujuzi Media, with the support of Bread for the World, Misereor, NordMedia Film Fund and the Route to Food Initiative, produced a three-part documentary series called ‘The Food Challenge’. The documentary exposes the manner in which small-scale farmers use and believe in the promises made by pesticide manufacturers for better yields. The film critically questions whether agro-chemicals are needed to fight hunger whilst simultaneously proposing alternative approaches to food production, such as organic farming.

Background: 
The Route to Food is an alliance working to realise the Human Right to Food in Kenya.

Barefoot solutions Kenya. Inspired by principles and ethics of permaculture, Barefoot solutions focuses on resilient designs and technology that are ecologically sound and financially viable.

Barefoot Soulutions strives to work collaboratively with communities, its clients and the environment to restore functional landscapes and build sustainable food systems that mimic natural patterns. Its mission is to promote and implement a healthy future for our planet by ensuring natural and man-made elements cooperate effectively.

Related: 
 26-27 February 2020. Nairobi. National Agriculture Summit
More than 400 high level agriculture sector leaders are set for a first-of-its-kind gathering in Kenya as industry players look at innovative ways of invigorating agricultural growth and bolstering their commitment to leave no one behind across the value chain. 

 The two-day workshop dubbed National Agriculture Summit and congregating representatives from national and county governments, farmer organizations, research institutions, private sector, NGOs and development partners is slated for 26 and 27 February 2020 at Safari Park Hotel. It comes in the wake of mounting challenges ranging from weak value chain linkages that have taken a toll on food producers to conflicting policies that have put brakes on the agriculture transformation agenda.

The 11th annual Argus Africa Fertilizer conference

19-21 February 2020. Cape Town, South Africa. The 11th annual Argus Africa Fertilizer conference . The conference brings together attendees representing 150 companies from across the fertilizer supply chain.

#argusafricafertilizer
Extracts of the programme

Fertilizer Fast Track - a guide to global fertilizer production, trade and demand dynamics

• Insights into the nitrogen markets - Frances Wollmer (see picture), Principal, Fertilizer Consulting, Argus
• Developments in the potash markets - Oliver Hatfield, Vice President Business Development, Fertilizers, Argus
• A focus on the phosphate markets - Premium phosphate markets - Mike Nash, Editor for Fertilizer Content Development, Argus
• A snapshot of the sulphur markets - Oliver Hatfield, Vice President Business Development, Fertilizers, Argus

Roundtable discussions

•  Fertilizer supply and demand trends in Zimbabwe Tapuwa Mashingaidze, CEO, Chemplex Corporation 
• The market for enhanced efficiency fertilizers in Africa Dustin Beckerling, African Continent Manager, Koch 
• Agronomic Services West Africa Fertilizer Market Update Dr. Abdoulaye Dièye, WAFA Secretary - Research and Training, West Africa Fertilizer Association 
• Managing Crop Production in Acidic Soils in Ethiopia Sam Gameda, Senior Soil Scientist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Ethiopia 
• Soil vs foliar fertilization, and the addition of growth regulants or plant hormones Dr Steven A. Oosthuyse, General Manager, HortResearch SA

Panel discussion: Introduction to finance options for the African fertilizer supply chain
Financing options for SME’s ; Maintaining sustainable finance ; The importance of building relationships between the public and private sectors to achieve success 

• Marie Claire Kalihangabo - Coordinator, Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM), African Development Bank  - Keynote speaker
• Edward Mabaya - Manager of Agribusiness Development, African Development Bank - Moderator
• Charles Sesay, Finance Director, Rokel Bank 
• Kalim M. Shah, Chief Investment Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services Department, International Finance Corporation (IFC) 
• Robson Mutandi, Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Panel discussion: Connecting the private and public sectors to improve value chain efficiency for fertilizer use and distribution
Successful business models; The role of financial institutions in supporting the fertilizer supply chain; Regional initiatives to improve access to finance 

• Pierre Brunache (see picture: left), - Consultant AFFM, African Development Bank - Moderator
• Asseta Diallo, (PhD), Program Officer, Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Systems, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) 
• Sheila Keino, Regional Director, New Business ande Partnerships, AFAP Malawi, Business and Technical Services Unit (BTS)

Case study: Mali’s success story – Achieving the Abuja Declaration objectives 

Agricultural transformation developments and strategies for ensuring value chain efficiency across the region 

• H.E. Josefa Sacko - Commissioner, Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union 

Panel discussion: The movement towards customised fertilizers for smallholders in Africa 
The importance of educating blenders, Soil testing, crop analysis and understanding research results, Opportunities for blenders in the region

• Dr Pieter Haumann, Chief Executive Officer, FERTASA 
• John Wendt, Deputy Director for Field Research, IFDC 
• Jeff Ivan, Director International Sales, AGI FERTILIZER SYSTEMS 
• Mark Goodwin, Manager International Business, Compass Minerals Developing multi-nutrient fertilizers for improving crop yield and quality - ICL Fertilizers 

Improving nutrient use efficiency with multi-nutrient products Compatibility with African crop types, Opportunities in Africa for multi-blend fertilizers

• Lilian wanjiru Mbuthia, Senior Agronomist, Eastern Africa, ICL Fertilizers 
• Tamir Richker, South and East Africa Sales Manager, ICL Group

Panel discussion: Digital transformation in agriculture 
The increasing importance of smart farming, The use of digital technologies among rural population and farmers, Sharing information and data collection, Investment in digital agriculture 

• Edward Mabaya, Manager of Agribusiness Development, African Development Bank 
• Marc Corbeels, Agricultural Researcher, AIDA Research Unit, CIRAD 

Introduction to Argus Sub-Saharan Africa report (Argus, December 2019, 575 pages)
National and regional markets for fertilizers in SSA, Key market sectors, players and products; Import/supply hubs and transport corridors 

• Oliver Hatfield - Vice President Business Development, Fertilizers, Argus 

Visualizing Insights on Fertilizer for African Agriculture (VIFAA) Program: A new fertilizer data platform for Sub-Saharan Africa What will the platform offer and who can use it? ; Project status update ; Applying data to key decision-making processes for governments and private sector actors 

• Charlene Migwe, VIFAA Project Manager, Kenya, Development Gateway 
• Diego Dimunzio, Software Developer, Development Gateway 

Panel discussion: Supporting small scale farmers with their fertilizer usage in Sub-Saharan Africa Challenges for small scale farmers; Import trends; What are the missing links in the value chain? 

• Carlos Zandamela, President, Mozambican Platform for Promotion of Fertilizer Use (AMOFERT) 
• Rob Groot, Director Business Development and Partnerships, IFDC 

Panel discussion: West Africa fertilizer market – Opportunities and challenges in the region Ghana's Fertilizer Expansion Programme and other regional initiatives; Regional security issues; Domestic production in Nigeria and import volumes 

• Anthony Selorm Kofituo Morrison, CEO Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana and Chair, West Africa Chamber of Agribusiness 
• Gideon Negedu, Executive Secretary, FERTASA

Panel discussion: Overcoming transport and supply chain challenges across Africa and recommendations for improvement 
Are transportation costs improving? Transportation availability ; Infrastructure developments 

• Gopal Chandak, Regional Head - West Africa and Asia (Fertilizer and Agri Inputs), Export Trading Group Gertrude Mashonganyika, Supplies and Logistics Manager, ZFC Ltd 
• Shujjat Alikhan, Vice President, IMGS Group 
• David Buruchara, Fertilizer Logistics Specialist, One Acre Fund

How will security restrictions in West Africa impact consumption volumes and agricultural outputs in this region? 

Impacts of urea restrictions; Balancing security gains against economic losses; Urea supply and demand outlook for 2020 

• Dr Innocent Okuku - Vice President, West African Fertilizer Association 

Panel discussion: Strategies for improving the African supply chain: From production to the farmer 
How can fertilizers be made more accessible for small scale farmers? The importance of private and public sector collaboration ; Fertilizer subsidies in Africa 

• Grace Chilande, Fertilizer Market Specialist - AfricaFertilizer.Org Coordinator, IFDC Kenya - Moderator
• Mahamadou Nassirou Ba, Economic Affairs Officer - Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Division, United Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) 
• Andrew Prince, General Manager - Supply Chain, Omnia

Upcoming event
26 May - 28 May 2020. Abuja, Nigeria. West Africa Fertilizer Forum

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture for Improved Food security and safety in the Republic of Mauritius

Attorney General, Minister of
Agro-Industry and Food Security,
Mr. Maneesh Gobin and the
Ambassador of the European Union
to Mauritius, Mr. Vincent Degert,
at the Farmer Training School in Wootun.

10 February, 2020. Mauritius. Press Release Govermenment of Mauritius. The Development-Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture Initiative (DeSIRA), developed by the European Union, will enhance the research and development capacity of the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI) for sustainable and modern agriculture.

Mauritius has been chosen for the implementation of specific activities under the initiative ‘Supporting Sustainable Agriculture for Improved Food security and safety in the Republic of Mauritius’. 

FAREI has been awarded a grant of Rs 100 M (EUR 2.450 M) which will be implemented over a period of 36 months, with the aim of fostering innovation in agriculture through the consolidation of the institute’s research and development capacity to address climate challenges and development of climate smart practices for sustainable production.

The FAREI contributes significantly to the agro-industry sector of the country and has made key achievements. The institute has a pool of well-qualified and competent technicians and there is a need for officers working on site to be taken on board during the implementation of key project activities so that they are familiarised with the necessary information regarding the implementation of the DeSIRA initiative. Mr. Maneesh Gobin, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security

Promoting sustainable agriculture is key for the survival of mankind and essential for the legacy of a safe and secure planet for the next generations to come. In shifting to green and smart agriculture and Mauritius is among the few countries to recognise the need to adopt sustainable development principles to agriculture. If countries join forces and move together, they will move faster towards the common goal of saving the planet. Mr. Vincent Degert Ambassador of the European Union to Mauritius

The Specific Objectives of this support are:

• Enhanced food and nutrition security to address the country’s vulnerability to food crisis
• Improved competitiveness of the agricultural sector 
• Strong value chains are promoted 
• Cost of livestock production is significantly reduced
• Food safety and efficient and sustainable production practices/system are promoted 
• Systemic Resilience to Climate Change is developed 
• Sustainable climate smart agriculture practices are adopted by farmers
• Emergence of agro-entrepreneurs is promoted
• A professional approach to farming is adopted
• Improved livestock quality through National Breeding Policies

Background:
The DeSIRA initiative was launched in 2017. The objective is to contribute to climate-relevant, productive and sustainable transformation of agriculture and food systems in low and middle-incomes countries.

The first contracts were signed at the end of 2019 with 20 projects of research and innovation including 6 regional projects for a total reaching €100 million including contributions from European donors. A large number of countries are involved. In Africa : Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Chad, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda. In Latin America : Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Central America (proyecto regional).

In 2020, 22 other projects including 31 countries will be finalized.

LEAP4FNSSA 1st Subregional Dissemination Meeting Towards Decision Makers and R&I Funders

18 February 2020. Nairobi. Within the framework of LEAP4FNSSA project, the 1st Dissemination Event Towards Decision Makers and Research and Innovation Funders was hosted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Kenya in close collaboration with the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies – Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (and the Ministry of High Education, Science and Research of Egypt).

The aim of this event was the dissemination to decision-makers and of:
Research and Innovation funders

1. project strategies; 
2. background of the AU-EU research and innovation dialogue on FNSSA; 
3. prospects of regional cooperation on FNSSA.

See the infographic of the consultation.

The meeting conveyed participants from selected cooperation agencies, research institutions, private sector, research funding agencies, stakeholders and end-users’ representatives from Kenya, neighborhood countries and Europe.

Members of the panel discussion: 

• Luca Alinovi. He has a PhD in Agricultural and Natural Resources Economics and a Laurea in tropical and sub-tropical agriculture, both from the University of Florence. Previously, he served as the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Kenya, the Eastern Africa Resilience Hub Director, and the Global Deputy Resilience Coordinator for FAO. 
• Mohamud Isse Farah. He holds a Master of Arts in Environment, Peace and Development at the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE), Mogadishu (Somalia). He is the Director of Food Security and Early Warning for the Somali Ministry of Agriculture and irrigation 
• Mary Wairimu Kamau. She is the former Director of Agriculture Extension in Kenya and currently a farmer. She is also a member and the immediate former Board Chair of The African Forum For Agricultural Services (AFAAS); a Board Member of The Global Forum for Rural Advisory Service (GFRAS) and its Policy Dialogue Team; a member and co-founder of The Kenyan Forum For Agricultural Advisory Service (KeFAAS); a member and the current Board Chair of Access Agriculture, an International Non – Governmental Organization.
• Sintayehu Demissie. Starting from April 2009 she is serving in the Ministry of Agriculture in different positions such as Monitoring and Evaluation Expert, Livelihood Implementation Coordination Unit Coordinator and currently she is working as Food Security Coordination Directorate Director and managing specifically the Ethiopian Rural Productive Safety Net Program in the Ministry of Agriculture. 
• Jean Jacques Mbonigaba Muhinda. During the last decade, he was charged of the following responsibilities: Executive Director of the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA, current position); Director General of the Rwanda Agriculture Development Board (RAB- a Government of Rwanda’s apex organization in charge of Agriculture Research, Technology Transfer and Extension/Advisory Services;); Chairman of the Rwanda National Irrigation and Mechanization Task Force; Professor and Vice-Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rwanda; Senior Consultant for AGRA, FAO and WFP. He currently sits on the Board of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).

Second Biennial Review Report Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation

10 February 2020. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia -The African Union launched at the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union the second Biennial Review Report on the implementation of the June 2014 Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods. H.E Abiy Ahmed Ali, Ethiopian Prime Minister and AU Leader of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), presented the Biennial Review Report to the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

2019 Biennial Review-EN
2019 Biennial Review-FR

The report is the result of collaborative effort of AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and several technical organizations and individuals, under the leadership of the African Union Commission and the African Union Development Agency - NEPAD.

Under the process of the critical analysis and review, the BR Task Force highlighted the importance of two specific issues namely food insecurity and food safety issues that were not in the first BR exercise. These new indicators include:

1. the Prevalence of moderate and severe food insecurity in the population based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) 
2. Food Safety Systems Index (FSSI) which measures a country’s performance in establishing food safety systems that meet international best practices and the Codex Alimentarius international food safety standards; 
3. Food Safety Health Index (FSHI) which measures a country’s performance in reducing cases of foodborne illnesses due to exposure to contaminated food, cases of foodborne deaths, and cases of liver cancer caused by dietary exposure to aflatoxins; and 
4. Food Safety Trade Index which measures the percentage reduction in rejected export shipments of food commodities due to food safety violations, disaggregated by the type of violation. 

2019 Scorecard - EN

2019 Scorecard - FR

Two BR continental training workshops were held: the first one in March 2019 in Accra where 40 countries participated; and a second one with another 11 countries in April 2019 in Addis-Ababa, for the countries that could not make it to the workshop in Accra.

7 commitments  translated into seven thematic areas of performance:

1. Re-committing to the principles and values of the CAADP process;
2. Enhancing investment finance in agriculture;
3. Ending Hunger in Africa by 2025;
4. Reducing poverty at least by half, by 2025, through inclusive agricultural growth and transformation;
5. Boosting intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and services;
6. Enhancing resilience of livelihoods and production systems to climate variability and other related risks; and
7. Strengthening mutual accountability to actions and results.

Rwanda is once again, as was the case in 2017, 
the 2019 best performing country in implementing 
the seven (7) commitments of the 
June 2014 Malabo Declaration

Analysis

Out of the forty-nine (49) Member States that reported on progress in implementing the Malabo Declaration during this 2019 biennial review cycle, four countries are on-track towards achieving the Malabo commitments by 2025. While this number is significantly less than the 20 Member States that were on-track in 2017 during the inaugural biennial review cycle, it is cardinal to note that 36 countries have made significant improvement in their score from the 1st BR to the 2nd BR.

“The Biennal Review Report  is a performance assessment tool as well an advocacy tool to guide planning and decision making for Africa’s Agricultural Transformation.” H.E Josefa Sacko AUC Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture

The benchmark for the 2019 cycle 6.66, is much higher than that of the 2017 cycle which was 3.94. The four Member States, which obtained or surpassed the benchmark of 6.66 to be on-track toward achieving the commitments of the Malabo Declaration by 2025 are: Rwanda (7.24), Morocco (6.96), Mali (6.82) and Ghana (6.67).

The document captures the continent’s agricultural progress based on a pan-African data collection exercise led by the African Union Commission’s Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), AUDA-NEPAD and Regional Economic Communities in collaboration with technical and development partners. Member States were assessed on the seven commitments in the Malabo Declaration, across 47 indicators.

Further analysis of the reports (34 pages) shows that:

• The continent remains off-track in achieving the overall Malabo Declaration commitments, obtaining an overall score of 4.03 compared to the benchmark of 6.66 to be on-track.
• The continent lost its traction in Recommitment to the CAADP Process, Halving Poverty through Agriculture, and Mutual Accountability for Action and Results.
• Regarding Commitment 5 on Boosting Intra-African Trade in Agriculture Commodities, 29 countries are on track even though the continent as a whole is not on track.
• Only four countries Burkina Faso, Burundi, Mali and Mauritania met the target of spending at least 10 percent of the total national expenditure on agriculture.

The report tracks progress in commitments made by AU Heads of State and Government through CAADP and the Malabo Declaration to increase prosperity and improved livelihoods for transforming agriculture. The indicators chosen to track the performance categories were defined on the basis of the strategic objectives derived from the Malabo Declaration.