In a concerted effort to address the region’s mounting food security challenges, the East African Community (EAC) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) have convened a pivotal Regional Joint Agricultural Sector Review (JSR) workshop in Dar es Salaam. The two-day forum, focused on “Youth Involvement in the Agri-Food System,” aims to harness the energy and innovation of young people to transform East Africa’s agricultural landscape.
With a rapidly expanding population and the looming threats of climate change and economic disparities, the EAC recognises the imperative of empowering the next generation of farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. The workshop, running from March 27th to 28th, 2025, serves as a crucial platform for state and non-state stakeholders to evaluate their progress against regional agricultural investment plans and commitments outlined in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Jean Baptiste Havugimana, Director of Productive Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, speaking on behalf of Deputy Secretary General Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, underscored the importance of collaboration and accountability in achieving agricultural transformation. “One of the goals of this workshop is to identify actionable strategies that can empower young people to take on leadership roles within the sector,” he stated, emphasising the need to move beyond mere beneficiary status to active participation.
Havugimana highlighted the workshop’s role in identifying best practices and developing strategies for sustainable agricultural growth and food security. “The outcomes of this workshop will contribute to shaping a strategic framework for future agricultural investments and initiatives, reinforcing the EAC’s commitment to achieving sustainable food systems in the region,” he added.
Professor Jean Jacques Mbonigaba Muhinda, Regional Head for East Africa at AGRA, echoed the call for collaborative action. “The challenges facing the agricultural sector in the region require collaborative action,” he said. “The JSR workshop is an invaluable opportunity to assess our progress and strengthen our partnerships.”
Participants engaged in a series of discussions and interactive sessions, evaluating progress against benchmarks, sharing successful interventions, and identifying new opportunities for investment and innovation. The workshop’s outcomes are expected to significantly influence sector policies and programmatic priorities, reinforcing the EAC’s commitment to a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural landscape.
The EAC’s alignment of its agricultural policies with the CAADP framework was highlighted as a testament to the region’s commitment to strategic and coordinated action. The workshop’s establishment of a regional agriculture JSR platform was welcomed by key stakeholders as a vital step towards enhancing transparency and accountability.
As East Africa strives to secure its food future, the focus on youth empowerment and collaborative action signals a determined effort to drive transformative change in the region’s agricultural sector.
