Africa-Press – Seychelles. Stakeholders in Seychelles, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, are working towards bolstering food security and resilience of the agrifood system.
A workshop grouping public and private sectors as well as the civil society was held at Eden Bleu Hotel yesterday, in order to finalise a country work plan and roadmap.
Seychelles, along with other African small islands developing states (Sids), namely, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Guinea Bissau, Mauritius, and Sao Tome and Principe, are at the forefront of one of the world’s most pressing challenges arising from climate change and disrupted global supply chains.
Given the African Sids’ geographic and economic isolation, they are heavily reliant on imported food supplies, thereby incurring high energy, transportation, and infrastructure costs. This dependence poses a significant barrier to stimulating domestic food production, and also leaves African Sids exposed to potential trade disruptions.
While some Sids such as Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles have made strides in development and climate policy, others continue to grapple with the dual challenges of low development and climate vulnerabilities.
In response to these challenges, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is implementing a comprehensive programme, centred on the concept of resilient agrifood systems. This involves the development of a multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder and multidimensional action plan which will be implemented at national, regional and interregional levels.
FAO African Sids programme manager and representative for Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, Charles Boliko noted the various challenges faced by insular African Sids, including difficulties in achieving economies of scale and other benefits of commodity chains.
Mr Boliko also spoke about the various benefits of the FAO programme in ensuring investments foster economic progress in the Sids.
“These priorities, validated through country workshops, will be presented during a high-level event, enabling African Sids to establish collaborative partnerships, to strengthen their institutions, and ensure they capitalise on emerging opportunities,” Mr Boliko added.
The action plan is set up through the revitalisation of the Interregional Technical Network (ITN) which serves as the cornerstone of this programme. Comprising local, national, and international experts from various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, among others, the ITN seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
Principal secretary for agriculture, Keven Nancy, highlighted the necessity of exploring innovative solutions tailored to the context of African Sids, through the adoption of a holistic approach, and through empowering stakeholders to co-create solutions.
“By embracing cutting-edge agricultural technologies, harnessing traditional wisdom and promoting collaboration across sectors, we can drive a transformation that brings about a better life for all,” said PS Nancy.
“The resilience of our agrifood system lies in our ability to adapt. We must invest in research and development, exploring crop varieties that can thrive in changing climates and optimising resources used to safeguard food security,” Mr Nancy stated.
The Covid pandemic, coupled with natural disasters and disruptions stemming from global events have heightened the urgency of addressing food security, resilience, and gender equality in African Sids. As such, the FAO programme offers a means of fostering not only food security, but also empowering youth and women through green and blue job opportunities.
Delegates at yesterday’s workshop included experts, practitioners and leaders from various sectors who are committed to the sustainable development of food systems in Sids.
Together, they explored strategies, ideas, and action plans to ensure that the roadmap serves the needs of African Sids’ communities, and contribute to the prosperity of the nations.
The journey ahead is challenging, but with innovative solutions and partnerships, these states can lay the groundwork for a more secure and sustainable food future.
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