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The second session of the ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference, moderated by Lilian Kirimi explored how the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 3.0, launched under the Kampala Declaration, can be effectively translated into national policies and programmes. The 3.0 framework marks a significant shift towards policy coherence, multisectoral coordination, and results-driven implementation, with six strategic objectives focusing on sustainable production, agro-industrialisation, investment quality, food and nutrition security, inclusive livelihoods, and resilient governance.
The keynote presentation, delivered by Mukulia Kennedy Ayason, Policy Officer at the Rural Development Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, African Union Commission, outlined the evolution from CAADP 2.0 to 3.0. He emphasised the growing need for an agri-systems approach that extends beyond farming to the wider value chain. He highlighted that achieving socio-economic stability, job creation, and climate resilience requires Member States to align national priorities with continental goals.
The panel discussion provided insights into the practical realities of translating continental commitments at the national level. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Former Director of Agriculture and Rural Development at the African Union Commission, stressed the importance of early domestication of the Kampala Declaration, drawing lessons from inconsistencies under Maputo and Malabo. He called for shared leadership between the African Union Commission and AUDA-NEPAD, greater utilisation of the Biennial Review report, stronger governance systems, and blended financing to complement domestic resources.
Djibi Dia, Senior Researcher at ISRA BAME, highlighted persistent weaknesses in data collection, funding, and analytical capacity, noting that evidence can only influence policy when processed through robust research and accountability mechanisms. Francis Hale, Director for Policy Advocacy and Communications at FANRPAN, reinforced this by emphasising the relational nature of evidence uptake, stressing that trust and collaboration between policymakers and researchers are crucial for its use.
Country experiences illustrated both progress and challenges. Mwali B. Epiphanie, Environmental and Social Safeguard Expert at the Secretariat General of Agriculture and Food Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo, discussed institutional fragmentation but noted promising reforms, including programme-based budgeting and stakeholder compacts. Desalegn Begna of Ethiopia’s Policy Study Institute highlighted advances in irrigation, private sector engagement, and nutrition-sensitive programming, while pointing out gaps such as the underrepresentation of the livestock sector. Doshanie Kadokera, Chief Economist at Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture, shared that successes in subsidies, irrigation, and commercialisation were often undermined by fragmentation, funding inconsistencies, and shocks. Jeffrey Ngari from GIZ highlighted Kenya’s experience in domestication, demonstrating the value of long-term planning and financial coherence within devolved systems. Sergy Zorya from the World Bank reiterated the importance of evidence-based policymaking, smart public spending, and targeted investment in research and extension.
A central message of the session is that CAADP 3.0 serves as a set of flexible guidelines rather than rigid templates. Countries are encouraged to adapt these objectives to their specific national contexts, supported by clear investment pathways, strengthened governance, and robust monitoring mechanisms. The Biennial Review report was highlighted as an underutilised resource that can guide policy adjustments and track progress effectively. Watch the recorded session here.