Members of Parliament Key to Reaching Malabo Targets
Hon. John Mutunga, Member of Parliament, Kenya
On October 31, 2023, the Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN) launched at the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform in Lusaka, Zambia. Made up of Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the continent, AFSPaN will champion food system improvements in members’ respective countries, moving the continent toward greater food security. National chapters will advance AFSPaN’s positions and pursue evidence-based solutions to promote intra-African trade, reduce imports, and enhance nutrition. The network will also represent the people’s voice, working both within the legislature and with agriculture and finance committees.
Hon. Gladys Ganda of Malawi highlighted the importance of this new network, noting that “Parliament plays a key role in oversight when it comes to policies and financing in the agriculture sector at the national level. This network has come at the right time to create champions that will speak to the issues of food systems in their individual countries.”
AFSPaN grew out of a series of discussions between non-state actors, the African Union Commission, and legislatures, all of which wanted to more actively engage MPs in transforming agricultural and food systems. With their legislative, budgeting, and oversight roles, as well as their advocacy and stakeholder engagement expertise, MPs are well-placed to help countries meet their CAADP commitments. As Hon. John Mutunga of Kenya noted in his remarks, “When Parliamentarians speak, the government listens. It is better to have them well-versed in facts so that they may effectively lobby towards the achievement of the Malabo targets.”
AFSPaN members are already involved in efforts to enhance food security. At a side event of the CAADP Partnership Platform marking the 14th Africa Day on Food and Nutrition Security, MPs from Congo Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Kenya shared what their countries are doing to achieve the Malabo targets and address persistent hunger. They also shared ideas for innovative AFSPaN initiatives.
AFSPaN members are optimistic about the network’s contributions to CAADP. As Hon. John Mutunga of Kenya, noted, “We hope that the launch of the African Food Systems Parliamentary Network today will bring legislators in tandem with the rest of the development actors to speak to some of these policies that impede agricultural advancements.”