Africa Striving for Agricultural Progress

By Mary Alorh

The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) stands as a flagship initiative driving agricultural transformation across Africa. Since its inception, CAADP has been instrumental in fostering sustainable development, improving food security, reducing poverty, and enhancing the quality of life for African communities.

At its core, CAADP is guided by four key pillars:

1. Promoting sustainable agricultural growth.
2. Strengthening food and nutrition security.
3. Reducing poverty and inequality.
4. Improving overall livelihoods for African populations.

Evolution of CAADP: A Journey of Adaptation and Growth

Launched in 2003, CAADP initially aimed to achieve its objectives by 2015. However, as new challenges and opportunities emerged, the program underwent significant reforms in 2010 and subsequent refinements to ensure its continued effectiveness.

In 2014, the Malabo Declaration extended CAADP’s targets to 2025, underscoring Africa’s commitment to agricultural transformation. Between 2015 and 2017, the initiative underwent comprehensive reviews to address gaps and bolster its impact.

Bold Ambitions for 2025

The African Union (AU) has set an ambitious goal for 2025: halving poverty across the continent through inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth. This vision emphasizes boosting intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and services to combat food insecurity and hunger.

As agriculture remains the backbone of most African economies, a transformative agenda in this sector is critical for driving economic growth, enhancing resilience, and securing livelihoods. Strengthening systems to mitigate climate variability and related risks has become equally vital to sustaining agricultural production.

Accountability and Action: CAADP’s Framework for Progress

A hallmark of the CAADP initiative is its emphasis on mutual accountability among member states. Countries are required to allocate at least 10 percent of their national budgets to agriculture, with the goal of achieving a 6 percent annual increase in agricultural productivity.

This commitment is central to addressing hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity.

By setting measurable targets, CAADP empowers member states to grow their agricultural sectors, laying the foundation for long-term development and prosperity.

The Kampala CAADP Compact: A Pivotal Milestone

From January 9-11, 2025, African leaders convened in Kampala, Uganda, for the landmark Kampala CAADP Compact summit. This event marked a turning point in Africa’s agricultural journey, with the adoption of the 10-Year CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035).

The strategy outlines a clear roadmap for accelerating agricultural transformation, strengthening food systems, and advancing sustainable development across the continent.

Mary Alorh is Director of Administration at DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd., and is an expert in Gender, Youth, and Peace & Security initiatives in West Africa.