KAMPALA – Eastern Africa’s agricultural sector is at a critical juncture. Despite its vast potential, the region faces numerous challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, conflict, and economic instability.
FAO Uganda is hosting the 18th annual Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting for Eastern Africa from 12th to 14th November at Speke Resort, Munyonyo to address these issues.
Speaking at the opening of the event on Tuesday, Farayi Zimudzi, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, emphasized the organization’s commitment to combating food insecurity.
“The Eastern Africa region presents a unique spectrum where almost all drivers of hunger, malnutrition, and poverty intersect,” Zimudze noted.
“Over 30 million people in the region are currently experiencing acute food insecurity, with 14 million in Ethiopia, 10 million in Kenya, 5 million in Somalia, and 3 million in Uganda,” she added.
Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, echoed Zimudzi’s sentiments.
“The region’s vulnerability and fragility make matters worse, but it’s also endowed with significant potential – natural resources, geopolitical positioning, and a youthful population.”
He highlighted that Eastern Africa is home to 230 million people, with 70% relying on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, highlighted the IGAD region’s diversity and agricultural potential.
“Our landscapes range from Ethiopia’s highlands to Djibouti’s arid zones, presenting unique opportunities and challenges.”
He noted that agriculture contributes significantly to the region’s GDP, accounting for 25% in Uganda, 30% in Kenya, and 40% in Ethiopia.
However, the region’s agricultural production remains largely subsistence-based, hindered by land degradation, water scarcity, pests, disease, and insufficient market access. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, with rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns affecting crop yields and livestock productivity.
Tumwebaze stressed the need for innovative strategies and collaborative approaches to enhance agricultural productivity, improve food systems, and build resilience.
“Empowering smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable practices, and leveraging technology are crucial.”
He emphasized the importance of developing a Post-Malabo Agenda that addresses sustainable agri-food systems.
Dr. Abebe emphasized FAO’s track record in emergency response, resilience building, and economic opportunity harnessing.
“Our approach focuses on mobilizing effective partnerships, stakeholder engagement, science, and innovation.”
He highlighted FAO’s support for regional initiatives, such as the Desert Locust Information System and the Food Security and Nutrition Working Group.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the “Four Betters”: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
To achieve this vision, Tumwebaze announced Uganda’s hosting of the extraordinary Summit of Africa Union Heads of States in January 2025. Abebe expressed confidence in FAO’s support for the summit.
Farayi concluded, “Partnerships remain at the core of FAO’s success in Eastern Africa and beyond. We must continue refining and institutionalizing early warning systems, enhancing readiness for rapid response, and investing in digital agriculture.”
Key Statistics:
- 30 million people in Eastern Africa face acute food insecurity.
- 14 million people in Ethiopia, 10 million in Kenya, 5 million in Somalia, and 3 million in Uganda experience acute food insecurity.
- 70% of Eastern Africa’s population relies on agriculture for livelihoods.
- Agriculture contributes 25% to Uganda’s GDP, 30% to Kenya’s, and 40% to Ethiopia’s.
- 230 million people live in Eastern Africa.
- 20% of the region’s population lives in urban areas.
