IGAD chief stresses urgent need for action to address food security crisis in HoA

Addis Ababa, December 5, 2023 (FBC) – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) hosted a side event at COP28 in Dubai to discuss solutions to the food security crisis in the Horn of Africa.

The event, titled “Harvesting Solutions: A Collaborative Approach to Enhancing Food Security and Nutrition in the IGAD Region,” brought together government ministers, representatives from international organizations, development partners, and civil society to discuss ways to address the region’s pressing food security challenges. This event was held at Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion.

In his opening remarks, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu highlighted the urgent need for action to address the food security crisis in the IGAD region. “Over 47 million people in the IGAD region are grappling with substantial food insecurity,” he said. “This is over 15% of our population or 1 out of every 7 of our brothers and sisters, of whom, the most vulnerable are women and children.”

The IGAD chief called for a collaborative approach to address the food security crisis. “We must work together to mitigate the underlying factors and root causes contributing to food insecurity and establishing climate-resilient livelihoods,” he said. “Investing in sustainable solutions ensures a more efficient response to current issues and fosters a robust and resilient future for the region.”

The event featured a keynote speech by Fitsum Assefa, Minister of Planning and Development of Ethiopia. The Minister outlined Ethiopia’s efforts to address climate change and build a climate-resilient food system. She also called for increased investment in agriculture and food systems in the IGAD region.

Other speakers at the event included ministers from Djibouti, Somalia, and South Sudan. They all called for increased international support to address the food security crisis in the IGAD region.

The event concluded with a discussion on solutions to the food security crisis.

The IGAD side event at COP28 was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to discuss solutions to the food security crisis in the Horn of Africa, it was indicated. According to the Ministry of Planning & Development of Ethiopia, the event also helped to raise awareness of the urgent need for action to address this crisis.