If agriculture in Eastern and Central Africa remains in its current state, not a single nation in the region will achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty by 2015. In the hopes of averting such a dismal outcome, this report analyzes agricultural development priorities and investment patterns in the region and their impact on growth and poverty rates, seeking an improved agricultural strategy. Using the Dynamic Research Evaluation for Management (DREAM) model and other tools to evaluate opportunities for increasing both agricultural and overall economic growth, the authors offer alternatives to the status quo. They propose approaches such as tailoring agricultural production to demand within Eastern and Central Africa, encouraging a wide variety of agricultural production to match the diversity of national demands and capacities, and promoting regional cooperation in agricultural development. Their analysis and conclusions should interest specialists in agricultural policy and investments, particularly those concerned with the impact of both on poverty reduction.

This document presents proceedings and outcomes of the joint FAOSFE–ASARECA Regional Strategy Workshop on Fall Armyworm (FAW) for Eastern and Central Africa (ECA), held in Entebbe, Uganda from 18-20 September 2017. The objectives of the workshop were to: (i) create awareness of FAW; (ii) discuss effective and rational management of FAW; (iii) strengthen linkages and the exchange of information among the relevant stakeholders; and (iv) develop an action research strategy/ plan on FAW for resource mobilization. Thematic areas of the multi-stakeholder workshop included: (i) the status of FAW in ECA and ongoing response activities; (ii) identification and monitoring of FAW in ECA; (iii) appraisal of damage caused by the FAW; (iv) review of FAW management measures; and (v) review and strengthening of strategic partnerships and coordination for the control of FAW. This document describes five strategic intervention areas for sustainable management of FAW in Eastern Africa: (i) development of a FAW monitoring and forecasting system for early detection and action; (ii) appraisal of the options to manage FAW; (iii) exploration of mechanisms to ensure effective coordination, communication and awareness raising relating to FAW management; (iv) development of capacity for FAW impact assessment; and (v) development of strategies for resource mobilization towards sustainable FAW management. Implementing the Eastern Africa Fall Armyworm Strategy and Implementation Plan (EAFAMSIP) will require partnerships and collaboration among a wide variety of stakeholders and organizations. Policy and decision-makers are encouraged to establish mechanisms to adapt EAFAMSIP to the national priorities and opportunities.

This framework presents ten interrelated principles/elements to guide Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Africa (SAMA). Further, it presents the technical issues to be considered under SAMA and the options to be analysed at the country and sub regional levels. The ten key elements required in a framework for SAMA are as follows: The analysis in the framework calls for a specific approach, involving learning from other parts of the world where significant transformation of the agricultural mechanization sector has already occurred within a three-to-four decade time frame, and developing policies and programmes to realize Africa’s aspirations of Zero Hunger by 2025. This approach entails the identification and prioritization of relevant and interrelated elements to help countries develop strategies and practical development plans that create synergies in line with their agricultural transformation plans. Given the unique characteristics of each country and the diverse needs of Africa due to the ecological heterogeneity and the wide range of farm sizes, the framework avoids being prescriptive.

One of the major challenges facing most countries in sub-Saharan Africa is the need to invest significant resources into strengthening their capacity to increase the availability of good-quality seeds of a wider range of plant varieties. This publication presents the proceedings of the Regional Technical Meeting on Seed Policy and Programmes for sub-Saharan Africa.