By: Irene Annor-Frempong[i], Aggrey Agumya [ii]& Benjamin Abugri[iii]
The African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Research and Innovation Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) is making significant strides in building digital and climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative, under CAADP’s (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme) Sub-theme 3, emphasizes the need for research and innovation to foster sustainable agriculture and food security across Africa.
Achievements and Lessons from the AU-EU FNSSA Partnership
The achievements of the AU-EU partnership on FNSSA from 2016 to date highlight the impact of international cooperation on agricultural development. With over 1 billion Euros mobilized and invested in line with the AU-EU FNSSA Roadmap (2016-2026), more than 500 projects have been implemented across four thematic areas. These areas align with the CAADP Malabo priority themes, as outlined in the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A).
The four thematic areas are:
- Sustainable Intensification
- Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition
- Expansion and Improvement of Agricultural Markets and Trade
- Crosscutting Issues, including improved coordination between European and African FNSSA R&I projects
Through these projects, the AU-EU partnership has delivered tangible benefits to farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and research and innovation institutions across Africa. Additionally, the partnership has strengthened science-policy linkages and enhanced institutional and individual capacities within participating regions.
Key Challenges and Proposed Solutions
While the partnership has achieved significant success, certain gaps remain, particularly in the areas of coordination and leveraging resources. Over the past eight years, stakeholders identified two critical levers for enhancing the impact of international cooperation: the partnership model and the financing model. Addressing these areas will further streamline the implementation of the CAADP Agenda and amplify the benefits of research and innovation for sustainable agriculture.
Two solutions were proposed to harness international cooperation for the implementation of CAADP:
- Developing a strategy for leveraging international cooperation
- Coordinating cooperation programs like the AU-EU FNSSA partnership to show its contribution on the implementation of CAADP
The Role of the International Research Consortium (IRC)
The establishment of the International Research Consortium (IRC) aims to address the fragmentation of efforts and funding in the FNSSA sector. By uniting more than 50 signatories, the IRC enhances the visibility of AU-EU research activities and positions African stakeholders to better respond to agricultural challenges. This platform also facilitates stakeholder engagement, particularly with youth and women, fostering inclusivity in decision-making and community involvement.
R&I institutions across AU Member States are encouraged to join the IRC, as it provides valuable insights and a collaborative platform for addressing Africa’s agri-food system challenges.
Looking Forward: The Next EU-AU FNSSA Roadmap
As the current 10-year AU-EU Research and Innovation roadmap nears completion in 2026, preparations for the next roadmap (2027-2037) are underway. The upcoming roadmap will align with the CAADP Kampala Strategy and focus on amplifying the impact of research and innovation in agriculture, emphasizing digital transformation and climate resilience.
Conclusion
The AU-EU partnership on FNSSA is a model of a successful international cooperation, demonstrating the power of collaborative research and innovation to build sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. With strengthened coordination, a well-defined strategy, and broad stakeholder engagement, Africa’s agri-food systems are poised to benefit from enhanced food security, economic growth, and resilience against climate change.
Authors Note
Parts of this paper were included in a keynote address delivered by the Executive Director of FARA, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, and Dr. Irene Annor-Frempong, Lead of the AU-EU International Research Consortium on FNSSA[iv], at the 2024 20th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform (PP) and the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS). The address reflected on the theme, ‘Two Decades of the CAADP Agenda: Cultivating the Nexus of Nutrition, Agrifood Systems, and Education for Africa’s Growth,‘ and was hosted in Harare, Zimbabwe in October.
[i] Dr Irene Annor-Frempong is Lead of the AU-EU International Research Consortium on FNSSA
[ii] Dr Aggrey Agumya is Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
[iii] Mr Benjamin Abugri is Cluster Leader for Knowledge Management, Digitalization and Learning at FARA