Kufuor launches Africa Agric Status Report

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday, September 2 joined other African leaders to launch the Africa Agriculture Status Report.

The ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Africa Union (AU) under the Africa Green Revolution Forum (AGRF).

It was on the theme: “Moving beyond the tipping point”.

Ex-President Kufuor, who is also the United Nation’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, called for “climate-smart” agricultural practices in order to meet the food requirements of the continent.

“We need to make a move towards climate-smart farming and conservation agriculture,” he told the participants from over 60 countries.

Mr Kufuor was concerned about the need for African farmers to change their methods due to climate change.

Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is a former chair of the Forum, was worried the continent spends about $35 billion per year on food imports.

“Imagine it went to our farmers and fishing communities instead,” he said.

Chair of the AU Commission Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma expressed the desire to see an African continent where no child starves.

“Africa wants an agriculture that is modern, science-based and profitable.”

The conference is expected to end Thursday, September 4.