Source: African Brains
AUC's Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture (REA), H.E Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, has reiterated that impressive economic growth has been achieved on the continent.

Delivering a key note address at the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF 2015) themed, "Walking the Talk of Youth and Women – Bringing Inclusive Agricultural Markets to Life," she, however, noted that the growth has not been inclusive as exemplified by the poverty levels in vast portions of the population.

"That is why one of the key areas of emphasis in the African Union Agenda 2063 is inclusive growth towards sustainable development and shared prosperity." Commissioner Tumusiime said. ''In the same vein, the AU Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Africa Agriculture Growth and Transformation highlights inclusiveness in the pursuit of the goal of ending hunger and malnutrition by 2025.''

She commended AGRA for already investing in programs and projects on seed, fertilizer, extension, markets and policy to increase inclusiveness.

Mrs. Tumusiime appealed to partners and stakeholders to contribute to countries' efforts aimed at meeting the commitments made by the AU Heads of State and Government in the Malabo Declaration ranging from ending hunger, halving poverty, reducing stunting in children, increasing resilience, reducing post-harvest losses to tripling intra-African trade.

At the same time, she called for doubling of efforts in supporting AU Member States to measure results and impact guided by the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Results Framework.

AGRF 2015, has been aligned to the African Union designated "Year of Women's Empowerment and Development."

During the forum, AGRA will release its annual Africa Agricultural Status Report, which provides a framework for how agriculture can become a viable and lucrative option for Africa's young entrepreneurs.

The AGRF 2015 aims to define clear strategies to enable youth and women to engage in agriculture as a business enterprise and generate a triple dividend of improved food security, increased incomes and job creation.

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