AGRF 2021 Summit Report

AGRF 2021 Summit Report
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PATHWAYS TO RECOVERY AND RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS
2021 has been transformational to the way we think about food systems. The AGRF 2021
Summit
provided an opportunity to raise our ambitions and define a bold vision for the future
of food
systems in Africa bringing together diverse voices to accelerate change on the theme of
pathways to
recovery and resilient food systems
Africa’s agriculture has immense potential with rising urbanization and the growth of
urban
middle-class consumers in Africa which is projected to lead to over $645 billion in
growth in
consumer spending by 2025 and of that growth, $167 billion could be in food and
beverages.
However, this will require a whole system change and significant coordination across
different actors
from governments, farmers, private sector, civil society groups to researchers. We will
need to address
implementation challenges, reduce fragmentation, and focus our efforts to deliver at the
local level to
turn potential into reality. Most importantly we will need to do this in an inclusive
manner.
I am grateful to the Government of Kenya under the leadership of H.E Uhuru Kenyatta for
hosting
the AGRF Summit for the second time. This is the kind of visionary leadership that the
continent
needs to feed itself and the rest of the world.
My gratitude also goes out to the AGRF partner’s group for their partnership and
commitment
towards agricultural transformation in Africa. To our delegates for your participation,
commitment and
ideas that make the AGRF the premier platform for inclusive agricultural transformation
in Africa.
Thank you for joining us. I hereby present to you the proceedings from the AGRF 2021
summit.
H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn
, Chair AGRA and AGRF Partners Group
Dr. Agnes Kalibata
, President of AGRA & Special Envoy of the
UN Secretary-General for the Food Systems Summit
I am delighted to present to you proceedings from the AGRF 2021
Summit
2021 has been a critical year for the world as the global conversation has shifted from
agricultural transformation to food systems transformation.
The AGRF 2021 Summit was, therefore, anchored around exploring the pathways and actions
needed to accelerate this process and steer the continent towards resilient food
systems.
We are excited that the AGRF is a learning platform, but more importantly, that Africa
is on a winning journey with renewed commitment to feed itself and the world. At the UN
Food Systems Summit, Africa spoke with one voice and is now translating commitments into
strategies. The commitment and leadership is evident however, we must remain in dialogue
and implement our resolutions. We must remain accountable, and we must show impact. It
is time to eradicate hunger, eradicate poverty, and come out strong with resilient
systems, healthy people and a healthy planet. These are clear, measurable goals.
I want to thank H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, H.E. President Paul Kagame, and the UN
Secretary- General Antonio Guterres for their belief in the importance of food systems
and the trust they placed in me and my team. We are grateful to the AGRF partners Group
under the able chair H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and
Chair of AGRA Board of Directors. It was an extraordinary AGRF and an extraordinary
year. With appreciation for the path we walk together!
It was a great honour for Kenya to have hosted the AGRF Summit
for a second time
Under the leadership of President, H.E. Uhuru
Kenyatta, it was a great honour for Kenya to have
hosted the AGRF Summit for a second time. We
appreciate the innovations that permitted us to
approach the Summit in a hybrid format, allowing
us to safely join with global VIPs in Nairobi while
also hosting a world of people on-line.
Kenya remains committed to being a leader in food
systems transformation not just for our country
but for our region, the East Africa Community,
our beloved continent and indeed the global
community. My call to you is to invest in the
continent’s young people. Youth engagement in
agriculture is critical to sustaining the continent’s
food systems. Our young people must take charge
of their future, and this includes being able to feed
themselves with nutritious and safe diets that will
nourish them and promote the health and wealth
of our people.
Under the theme of “Pathways to Recovery and
Resilient Food Systems”, this year’s AGRF has given
us an opportunity to reflect on the urgency for food
systems transformation on the continent.
The time is now!
Thank You! Asanteni Sana! God Bless You!
Hon. Peter G. Munya
, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Kenya
Ms Jennifer Baarn
, Acting Managing Director, AGRF
The AGRF Declaration charts a journey for food systems
transformation that will guide our future work...
The AGRF 2021 summit brought together over
8,500 delegates across 104 countries and a diverse
range of speakers to showcase the possibilities and
inspire commitments and actions from all actors
within the food systems; from Governments to
the private sector and individuals who are making
considerable strides within their own space to
transform food systems at their level.
The AGRF declaration charts a journey for food
systems transformation that will guide our future
work and shows we must accelerate our actions.
There were major commitments in nutrition,
innovation, renewable energy, climate change,
regional food trade, and investment being made
towards the transformation of food systems.
Participants have committed to resilient value
chain development from farm inputs, through to
how they process, transport, and retail products;
and manage their food waste. AGRF participants
also heard how important it is to invest in
innovation, digital technologies, and the need for
renewable energy for Africa’s future pathway.
Throughout, we have drawn energy and inspiration
from all those in the AGRF partnership, and a
diverse range of experts from across the African
agriculture landscape.
A special thanks goes out to the Government of
Kenya for hosting the 2021 Summit, the AGRF
partners group for their commitment towards
inclusive agricultural transformation in the
continent and our delegates for your participation
and contribution to the summit. Together we will
build a more resilient food systems.
We welcome you to reflect with us on the AGRF
2021 Summit actions and commitments and look
forward to seeing you in Kigali, 2022!
AGRF 2021 SUMMIT IN NUMBERS
8580
Virtual Delegates
150
In-Person VIP
10
Current & Former
Heads of State
20
Ministers
104
Countries Represented
US $12.5 bn+
in Food Systems
Commitments
US $5.1 bn
in Food Systems Commitments
150
investment priorities in 20+ value
chains via the deal room
524
Speakers
2.7 bn
Potential media reach
194
Deal Room Investors
HIGHLIGHTS
From 7 to 10 September 2021, over 8,400 delegates
gathered at the AGRF 2021 Summit in Nairobi,
Kenya and virtually, to call for and plan action on
building resilient food systems in Africa.
Hosted by the Government of Kenya under the
leadership of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta,
and the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives. This year’s
AGRF Summit’s theme focused on “Pathways
to Recovery and Resilient Food Systems” and
heralded a strong call for Africa and the world to
change the way we produce, process, market and
consume food. Food systems transformation is
imperative if Africa is to achieve the key sustainable
development goal of ending hunger by 2030.
“From the AGRF 2021 Summit we will work
together as Africans and come up with a common
position to table UN Food Systems Summit,”
H.E Uhuru Kenyatta
President, Republic of Kenya
THE COMMITMENTS
This year’s AGRF 2021 Summit came at a critical
time when food systems are under enormous
pressure from different shocks and stresses,
including the pandemic, climate change, pests, and
diseases that cost the region billions of dollars. The
Summit called for and spotlighted commitments to
the future of African Food Systems.
Commitments were anchored by the African
Development Bank who will mobilize US$1 billion
in the next two years and up to US$10 billion
by 2030 from bilateral donors, green funds,
and philanthropic organizations to launch the
Financing Facility for Food and Nutrition in Africa.
The Facility will support modernizing African
agricultural production and commodity value
chains. IFAD has a resource mobilization target
of US$1.5 billion through the Rural Resilience
Programme (2RP) and US$200 million through
the Private Sector Financing Programme (PSFP).
Resilience and climate solutions also included
the IKEA Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation
announcement of a US$1 billion fund in a global
renewable energy alliance.
“Providing access to renewable energy
can be a pathway to a more sustainable future
for farming communities.”
Mr. Per Heggenes, Chief Executive Officer, IKEA Foundation
“The continent must move to importing less
food, as it can grow what is needed for its
consumption.”
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda
PRESIDENTIAL SUMMIT
The Presidential Summit is the highest-level
moment of the AGRF, comprised of Heads of State
& Government, eminent persons, and hundreds
of leaders and stakeholders present from across
Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors. The
AGRF 2021 Presidential Summit was convened
under the leadership of H.E. Uhuru Muigai
Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya.
Focusing on the gains that have been made in
Africa’s agriculture landscape, African leaders
shared the bold steps they are already taking to
drive food systems transformation across their
own countries and within their regions. Actualizing
the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),
leveraging agricultural innovations, scaling
investments in inf rastructure, innovative financing
including climate finance, diversification of diets,
and empowering women and youth were cited as
critical pathways to food systems transformation
on the continent.
Financing the Agricultural sector remains critical;
leaders committed to working towards fulfilling the
Malabo Commitments and ensure 10% of budgets
is allocated to the agriculture sector.
“To fully unlock the potential of agriculture in
Africa, we need to raise agricultural productivity,
develop and integrate value chains, build climate
resilience, modernize food supply systems and
boost the private sector to produce healthy and
nutritious food.”
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
ELDER'S COUNCIL
Five former heads of state gathered at an
inaugural Elders’ Council to reflect on the status
of food systems in Africa. This special session was
convened by H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former
Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
In his remarks, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former
President of Tanzania urged African countries not
to opt for protectionism as it can be very inefficient.
Instead, countries should focus on increasing
production to prevent shortages.
H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of
Liberia spoke on the role of women in food system
transformation. In Liberia women can now legally
own land and have been very resilient in farming.
There is need for commitments to remove barriers
that have prevented women from achieving their
goals.
“We all need to make commitment to remove
barriers that have prevented women from
achieving their goals.”
H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia
Benin’s former Prime Minister, H.E. Lionel Zinsou,
emphasized the need for financial resources to
flow to the agriculture sector. He also noted the
need to improve agriculture’s logistics, cold chain,
and infrastructure.
Former Nigeria President, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo
provided insights on post conflict policy solutions
to meet agricultural targets. Agricultural policies
must be consistent and not influenced by
regime change. H.E Obasanjo urged government
ministries to work together and not in silos.
“Peace is a precondition
for success in agriculture.”
H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the Africa Food Prize Committee and former
President, Nigeria
FOOD SYSTEMS INNOVATORS
To achieve sustainable food systems, there is
urgent need to develop innovative tools and
approaches. Food Systems Innovators are the
young African agri-preneurs, who are deploying
creative and innovative solutions across the
agricultural value chain.
Throughout the AGRF week, these food system
innovators showcased their breakthrough
innovations that are transforming Africa’s food
system. The videos showcased the work of 23
innovators who have in their own unique ways
achieved greater farm yield, value-addition,
increased income, created more job opportunities,
and reduced levels of hunger and malnutrition.
“We (Africa) are not being left behind; we are building resilient and sustainable food
systems locally and globally.”
Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director, Agriculture & Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union
Commission, Ethiopia
Now, more than ever, it is critical to shape an African Vision on food systems
transformation. The continent must feed itself. Africa requires food systems that
deliver sufficient and nutritious food; food systems that are sustainable and food
systems that create shared prosperity for Africa.”
Ms. Thule Lenneiye, Coordinator, Agriculture Transformation Office, Kenya
RECOGNITION & REWARDS
Africa Food Prize 2021
Waya/Value4Her
GOGettaz
Pitch Agrihack
THEMATIC WORKING GROUPS
AGRF advances its mission and work throughout the year to achieve targeted outcomes largely by
working through a set of thematic platforms. Ten thematic platforms and thematic working groups have
been prioritized for the AGRF to deliver under its current strategy against its priority goals.
Women in agriculture
Equitable Livelihoods for Women through Innovative Financing and Climate Adaptation is a
powerful pathway to economic development.
Regional Food Trade
There are barriers to food trade in Africa along the entire value chain. Trade issues are
relevant to multiple ministries and agencies within government, including not only trade, but
also agricultural, health and safety, transport, and finance.
AgTech & Digitalization
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitization of Africa’s agriculture value chains and
spurred broader digital technology usage.
Resilience and Adaptation
Food insecurity and poverty in Africa has been aggravated by multiple shocks that include
recurrent drought, flooding, land degradation, soil nutrient depletion, and insecurity.
Food Systems and Nutrition
The session on Africa’s Solutions Towards Safe and Nutritious Food for All showcased a series of
technological innovations and solutions that are scaling production of diverse, safe, and
healthy crops.
Rural and Market Development
African food security lies in its opportunity to link markets and add value to improve
livelihoods.
Sustainable Productivity
In line with the theme of AGRF 2021 on forging pathways to recovery and resilient food systems,
the Sustainable Productivity thematic platform highlighted innovative models that aid the
resilience of input systems for Africa’s food systems.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: Equitable & Inclusive Livelihoods
Day 2: #BuildForwardBetter
Day 3: Healthy People and Planet
Day 4: Future Food Systems
“The continent must move to importing less
food, as it can grow what is needed for its
consumption.”
H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda
“To fully unlock the potential of agriculture in
Africa, we need to raise agricultural productivity,
develop and integrate value chains, build climate
resilience, modernize food supply systems and
boost the private sector to produce healthy and
nutritious food.”
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
Watch Full Highlights
REPORTS
Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR)
Food systems are a fundamental part of the global economic system – the world’s population depends on them for sustenance. As is the case elsewhere, in Africa, many people depend entirely on food systems for employment and incomes. For these reasons, building resilient and sustainable food systems is crucial to ensuring sustainable economies and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 Goals. However, Africa remains food insecure, accounting for 256 million of the world’s 795 million people suffering from hunger
This year’s Africa Agriculture Status Report, A Decade of Action: Building Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems in Africa provides evidence and insights on the prospects of achieving resilience and sustainability in Africa’s food systems.
View Report
Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) Report
The 2021 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) report analyzes continental and regional trends in African agricultural trade flows and policies, with a focus on the impact of the pandemic at both the macroeconomic and microeconomic levels. To support AfCFTA implementation and advance the growth of African trade, this Fourth edition of the AATM calls for deeper and wider cooperation for both trade data and policies.
View Report
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