The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has commended Nigeria for becoming the first African country to develop a national strategy and action plan for domesticating the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration.
The commendation was made by IFAD Country Director, Ms. Dede Ekoue, during the high-level launch of the Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan for the Domestication of the CAADP Kampala Declaration (2026–2035) in Abuja.
Ekoue congratulated the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for leading what she described as a highly inclusive and consultative process, noting that Nigeria had once again demonstrated leadership on the African continent.
According to her, the strategy represents the first national framework of its kind in Africa and provides a model for other countries seeking to translate the continental Kampala Declaration into practical national action.
She praised the document for placing smallholder farmers, women, young people and vulnerable communities at the centre of its seven priority areas, while integrating climate resilience, nutrition, gender equality and digital transformation throughout the strategy.
The IFAD Country Director also commended the contributions of federal and state government institutions, development partners, private sector organisations, research institutions, civil society groups, and farmer, women’s and youth organisations that participated in developing the strategy.
She further acknowledged the technical support provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB), AGRA, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank during the drafting process.
Ekoue reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in the implementation of the strategy through investment, policy dialogue and technical assistance once it receives formal government approval.
She also called on development partners and investors to support the implementation of the plan, expressing confidence that its successful execution would strengthen Nigeria’s agrifood system and generate positive impacts across the African continent.
Describing the strategy as a landmark achievement, Ekoue congratulated all stakeholders involved and said the initiative marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to transform its agricultural sector and advance sustainable food systems.
