The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has convened a high-level executive training workshop in Nairobi targeting its committee of ambassadors and parliamentarians.
the meeting aims to strengthen regional collaboration and legislative alignment in transforming agri-food systems across Eastern Africa.
The capacity-building forum, hosted under the theme ‘Strengthening Regional Agri-food Systems for Resilience and Sustainability,’ brought together delegates from IGAD member states, including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
The three-day workshop is a milestone in IGAD’s commitment to implement regional frameworks such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the Malabo and Post-Malabo Declarations, and the recently adopted 2024 Kampala Declaration on food systems resilience.
In his address, Dr. Mohi Tohami, IGAD’s Director for Cooperation and Regional Integration, emphasised the urgency of collaborative leadership in addressing food insecurity and climate-related shocks.
“This training is not just an event but a strategic step forward in empowering our legislators and diplomats to champion inclusive and climate-resilient food systems,” Dr. Tohami stated.
IGAD’s leadership noted that the region remains off-track in achieving the 2025 Malabo targets on agricultural transformation.
Notably, the Kampala Declaration, adopted earlier this year, outlined a new direction through the CAADP Strategy (2026–2035), which shifts focus from agricultural productivity alone to holistic agri-food systems that integrate nutrition, economic development, and climate resilience.
Further, the strategy emphasises increased public investment, particularly targeting smallholder farmers; promotion of climate-smart agriculture; strengthening of intra-regional trade; early warning systems for food security; and inclusive governance that engages youth, women, and private sector actors.
A major highlight of the workshop was the launch of the IGAD parliamentarians working group on Agri-food Systems, a formal platform aimed at enhancing policy innovation, accountability, and regional coordination.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Djibouti and IGAD, George MacGoye, during a media Q&A session, stressed that the initiative was long overdue.
“While our ambassadors have been actively engaged in the IGAD framework, the parliamentary linkages have remained weak. This training seeks to close that gap by fostering integrative policy thinking,” he implored.
Furthermore, Amb. MacGoye noted that IGAD’s role is distinctly developmental rather than economic, unlike blocs such as the East African Community (EAC).
However, he added that Kenya is well-positioned to lead policy influence within IGAD, citing the country’s vast pool of both active and retired professionals with technical expertise.
Similarly, he stressed the importance of harmonised regional policies, especially in areas such as food production, trade in agricultural commodities, and infrastructure development.
“We are looking not just to export agricultural goods, but also policy expertise,” he added.
During the workshop, parliamentarians were urged to use their legislative power to push for increased budget allocations to agriculture and mainstream nutrition and enact enabling laws to support agri-food systems.
On their part, ambassadors were challenged to enhance diplomatic efforts for climate financing and cross-border policy harmonisation.
Likewise, Dr. Tohami reiterated that achieving the Kampala Declaration goals will require active political will and regional solidarity.
“The success of these commitments will depend on your leadership; this training is the beginning of a shared journey,” he established.
Meanwhile, the training has received financial and technical support from the World Bank through the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), which is working in tandem with IGAD to promote sustainable food systems in the Horn of Africa.
As climate change continues to exacerbate food insecurity and disrupt livelihoods, IGAD hopes that this multi-stakeholder engagement will fast-track the region’s transition to more resilient and inclusive agricultural models.
By Kamau Daniel
