By Tatenda Chitagu in Dakar, Senegal
A coalition of agro-ecology organisations has petitioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to place ecological practices at the heart of regional agriculture policies for sustainable and resilient food systems.
The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), a continental movement promoting food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture, says ECOWAS should do more to promote food liberty and environmental justice.
In a 40 paged study titled, ‘Analysis of the ECOWAS agricultural policy and program adoption process’, AFSA general coordinator Million Belay proposes the establishment of an independent observatory to monitor the implementation of agro-ecological commitments by member countries.
“The integration of agro ecology into ECOWAS agricultural policies is a major challenge for ensuring food sovereignty and the resilience of West African communities in the face of climate and economic challenges. Agro-ecology must be integrated into national and regional agricultural policies, and ECOWAS plays a central role in coordinating and harmonising regional policies in various areas, including agriculture and sustainable development,” he said.
Million Belay, general coordinator for the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA)
The petition came on the side-lines of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) taking place in Dakar, Senegal under the theme “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation”.
Belay says the document provides ‘a better understanding of the processes for formulating and adopting agricultural and environmental policies within ECOWAS.’
“Through this document, AFSA calls on ECOWAS to strengthen its openness towards CSOs and social movements, whose expertise and proximity to local communities are essential assets for inclusive policies that are adapted to the realities on the ground.
“We welcome the progress made, but insist on the need for more transparent and equitable participation mechanisms that allow civil society to contribute fully to policy development, implementation and monitoring,” he said.
The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the processes for formulating and adopting agricultural and environmental policies within ECOWAS and advocates for the integration of agro ecology into these strategies.
“Place agro-ecology at the heart of regional agricultural policy for a sustainable and resilient future in West Africa,” reads part of the study.
The AFSF attracted over 6,000 participants from across the globe, making it the largest and most influential gathering on African food systems. Attendees include heads of state, government ministers, business leaders, investors, farmers, youth entrepreneurs, women leaders, civil society organizations and development partners.