Alupo Calls for Strategic Solutions to Agricultural Challenges at AU CAADP Summit

The Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has called for transformative strategies to address persistent bottlenecks in Africa’s agricultural sector.

She made the remarks on Friday during the opening of the Joint Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture and Ministers of Foreign Affairs at the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala 2025 summit.

In her keynote address, the Vice President emphasized the need for continuous evolution of strategies to tackle obstacles affecting agriculture and other interdependent sectors.

Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo

Highlighting the centrality of agriculture to Africa’s development, she urged the delegates to seize the opportunity to craft actionable solutions that would bolster the sector.

Key Bottlenecks Identified
H.E. Alupo outlined critical challenges hindering the growth of agriculture across the continent:

• Limited Public Sector Investment: The Vice President noted insufficient financial support from member states for the development of the agricultural sector.
• Inadequate Mechanization: She pointed to the slow adoption and use of modern agricultural technologies as a barrier to increased productivity.
• Over-reliance on Nature Amidst Climate Change: With climate change posing significant threats, overdependence on rain-fed agriculture continues to leave farmers vulnerable.
• Availability and Affordability of Inputs: Access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs remains a challenge for many farmers.
• Youth Involvement: Limited engagement of young people and the underutilization of large tracts of arable land were flagged as missed opportunities for boosting agricultural output.
• Infrastructure Deficits: Inadequate roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems hinder market access and productivity.
• Limited Intra-Africa Trade: The Vice President underscored the need to enhance trade in agricultural products within the continent.

Call to Action
H.E. Alupo urged the delegates to move beyond discussions and ensure the resolutions of the meeting are implemented. “As leaders, we must take deliberate steps to overcome these barriers. The future of Africa’s agriculture lies in our ability to innovate and cooperate,” she said.

She also extended a warm welcome to the participants, emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

The summit, a key platform for advancing Africa’s agricultural agenda, brings together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across the continent to chart a course for sustainable agricultural transformation.