At this occasion, Commissioner Mimica said: “Agriculture and food systems need to be adapted to the challenges of climate change – this is crucial to the future of Africa and of our entire planet. The goal of this high level dialogue is to join forces and galvanise key players into action, and to guarantee long-term food security in Africa.” Leaders from Europe and Africa will discuss how both sides can work better together to help address Africa's worsening food security situation in the face of climate change.
Climate variability and extremes are key factors in the recent rise in global hunger and a worsening food security situation in Africa, all of which effect particularly rural populations. This is why it is key to invest in rural areas to make them more sustainable, resilient and productive – in line with the Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs. Concerted and coordinated action to transform Africa's agriculture and agri-food sectors are needed to become more productive, inclusive and sustainable.
This will mean empowering women, smallholder farmers and rural youth, as well as stepping up investments and using innovation and new technologies in agriculture to fight climate change. The Africa Food Security Leadership Dialogue has been convened by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Bank. Hosted by the government of Rwanda, it brings together Heads of State, Agriculture and Finance Ministers, heads of international and regional institutions, Nobel laureates and eminent scientists.
