UNDP, EAC initiative to boost food production

The UNDP and the East Africa Community, yesterday, launched a new initiative to boost food production, job and income opportunities for farmers through advancing agriculture value chains in the region.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The UNDP and the East Africa Community, yesterday, launched a new initiative to boost food production, job and income opportunities for farmers through advancing agriculture value chains in the region. The initiative spearheaded by UNDP’s African Facility for Inclusive Markets (AFIM) and the EAC Secretariat brought together multiple representatives from governments, UN agencies, private sector, farmers, financiers and civil society from all EAC states and Ethiopia for an East Africa Project Facilitation Platform (PFP).The East Africa PFP is discussing partnerships and value addition of the various stakeholders in strategic agri-food value chains, especially sorghum, soy and dairy. Project promoters presenting planned interventions include Africa Harvest, East Africa Dairy Development Project and UNIDO/UNDP."A new private sector is emerging in Africa with great potential for creating new jobs, generating higher incomes and delivering products and services for all."Agriculture value chains and agri-business are critical to advance food security and economic opportunities,” said Aeneas Chuma, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator for Kenya, who opened the workshop in Nairobi.