Food sovereignty: Launch of two major projects for agriculture in Central Africa
The Minister of Agriculture, Pacôme Kossy, today opened a two-day workshop aimed at launching two strategic projects for food security and regional trade. Supported by FAO and CEMAC, these initiatives aim to transform urban agriculture and streamline trade in animal products in Central Africa in order to strengthen the nutritional autonomy of the sub-region.
The workshop, which takes place on February 18 and 19, marks an important step in regional agricultural cooperation. The ceremony took place in the presence of Athman Mravili, FAO coordinator for Central Africa, and Charles Assamba Ongodo, vice-president of the CEMAC Commission.
The first part of the program tackles the challenge of rampant urbanization. Faced with increasing pressure on urban food systems, this project promotes inclusive urban and peri-urban agriculture.
The objective is twofold: produce locally to develop resilient local production models and promote social inclusion through the creation of sustainable jobs, particularly accessible to women and young people.
The second project focuses on trade within the CEMAC area, specifically targeting the beef, sheep and goat sectors.
To stimulate this sub-regional market, actions will focus on strengthening value chains, facilitating the transport of goods and, above all, the rigorous application of health standards. This approach aims to guarantee quality meat while removing barriers to the movement of products of animal origin between Member States.
Minister Pacôme Kossy praised the solidity of the partnership between the Gabonese government and international institutions. While specifying that these projects are directly aligned with the vision of the Head of State, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, focused on food sovereignty and increased regional integration.
