The IGAD Regional Agriculture Plan Review is underway in Nairobi as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) holds a three-day forum to evaluate its Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) 2016–2020 and set the path for a new Regional Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan (RASIP).
This meeting comes at a critical time, with over 62 million people in the Horn of Africa facing food insecurity, driven by drought, conflict, and climate change.
Speaking during the opening session, Dr. Mohi Tahomi, Director for Economic Cooperation at IGAD, emphasized the need for stronger regional partnerships.
“We’re reviewing what worked, what didn’t, and how to build forward through a climate-smart, inclusive agri-food system,” he said, representing IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu.
The RAIP was implemented under the African Union’s CAADP framework, aiming to reduce poverty and hunger by 2025. However, major challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, desert locusts, and regional instability slowed progress.
The reviewed plan focused on four areas: improving natural resource use, increasing food production, better rural infrastructure, and more research and knowledge sharing. Yet funding and coordination gaps limited its full impact.
Dr. Senait Regassa, Coordinator of the IGAD Food System Resilience Project, highlighted the urgency for more investment. “If countries commit at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture as per the CAADP pledge, we’ll see real change,” she said.
She also noted the strong link between food insecurity and conflict, urging leaders to treat agriculture as a tool for both development and peace.
Despite shortfalls, the plan made strides through teamwork across IGAD divisions, such as the Climate Centre and Livestock Development Unit.
The IGAD Regional Agriculture Plan Review has also drawn support from the AU Commission, civil society, and development partners to shape RASIP, the next ten-year roadmap.
RASIP is expected to align with the Kampala Declaration 2025 and build on the Malabo Declaration’s goals, pushing for more action, better tracking of progress, and stronger funding commitments.
With new momentum, leaders hope RASIP will turn lessons into results and offer real hope for food security across the Horn of Africa.
