Chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Mohammed Sadiki, accompanied by the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Morocco, Jean Senahoun, and the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad, this meeting was an opportunity to raise awareness and communicate around the organization of the 33rd session of the Regional Conference of FAO for Africa.
It is also about discussing the participation of ministers from African countries at the International Agricultural Show in Morocco (SIAM), scheduled for April 22 to 28 in Meknes.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Sadiki noted that this meeting aims to raise awareness among African delegations to attend this 33rd FAO regional conference for Africa in order to debate a theme that interests our continent, namely food resilience.
“Our continent is experiencing the consequences of climate change and geopolitical disruption, which has an effect on the security and food sovereignty of our countries,” he stressed.
For his part, the FAO Representative in Morocco noted that this 33rd FAO regional conference for Africa constitutes an opportunity for African ministers to review the challenges and opportunities of the agricultural and food sector in Africa, calling on all related departments to take part, including water, forestry, livestock, environment, logistics, trade, etc.
He said consultations were held with civil society organizations, the private sector and senior officials on technical aspects of food security to provide recommendations that will be discussed at ARC33.
In a statement to the press, the Ambassador of Cameroon, Youssifou Mouhamadou, indicated that this 33rd conference will be held in a difficult context for African agriculture, highlighting the importance of this conclave to reflect on concrete solutions for guarantee the food sovereignty of African countries.
Thus, he welcomed the holding of this conference in Morocco, on the eve of SIAM which constitutes a showcase of Moroccan agriculture, citing the Kingdom’s experience in the agricultural field in general and intelligent irrigation in particular.
The FAO Regional Conference for Africa is one of the main regional platforms focused on food security and rural development in Africa. Chaired by Morocco, it will welcome more than 50 ministers from African member states, representatives of observer countries, the African Union, donor organizations, civil society and the private sector.
The conference aims to provide regional guidance on the transformation of agri-food systems in Africa and constitutes a major opportunity for African countries to discuss practical solutions for food security and improved agricultural production.
ARC33 will also serve as a strategic platform for members and other stakeholders to share best practices, explore partnerships and discuss innovative opportunities and solutions on the transformation of agri-food systems.