AGRA, Barbados Government sign MoU for collaboration on Africa-Americas agri-food system transformation

The MoU facilitates the collaboration of AGRA and the government of Barbados in championing solutions for agri-food systems transformation and climate action in Africa and the Caribbean

KIGALI, Rwanda: November 11, 2022 –  The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, The Hon. Kerrie Symmonds and the President of AGRA, Dr. Agnes Kalibata have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration and the promotion of food systems transformation in Africa and the Caribbean Community.  

The partnership will strengthen cooperation and advocacy in areas of common interest in food systems and climate change adaptation between relevant stakeholders in Barbados and Africa.

The MoU also allows for partnership in knowledge and experience sharing on technology and innovative approaches. These include but are not limited to: last mile delivery of sustainable inputs, value chain models, digital technology and access to finance models.

Additionally, the MoU seeks to promote the mobilization of public and private investments for food systems transformation. AGRA and the Government of Barbados will work together to develop solutions for increased public and private investments in food systems transformation and the development of innovative finance mechanisms.

AGRA President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata said: “.With this MoU, we see an opportunity to advance our South to South partnership to include Island States.  We will focus on a unified fight against climate change, [and] support to functional food systems that advance the role of trade in feeding the world while minimizing its negative impacts on health and nutrition. Furthermore we see an opportunity to continue advancing partnerships that promote skills and expertise on both sides.  The MoU is an opportunity for the Government of Barbados to connect to all 15 countries AGRA is working with across the continent, and to connect with the wider continent through AGRF. We are excited about this partnership with the Caricom countries with  Barbados as our first direct engagement.

  AGRA shall facilitate exchange of experiences and knowledge between Barbados and African countries where best practices exist, and vice-versa.

Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, added: “Today we have made a major step towards improving  the food systems in our two regions. The reality is that many African countries share similarities with Barbados, and through this partnership with AGRA, we can now work together to draw on our shared heritage and identifying areas of common interest for knowledge and experience sharing, and advocacy in global and regional platforms to strengthen investments in agri-food systems.”

-ENDS

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution that puts smallholder farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. Together with our partners, we are working to sustainably grow Africa’s food systems. AGRA strengthens seed systems, develops and promotes sustainable farming practices, helps unlock trade and markets, and supports governments who lead their countries’ development. We work with farmers to adapt to climate change, increase soil health, and protect the environment.  AGRA believes deeply in the urgency of reducing the inequality that women face in agriculture, and to unlocking the power and innovation of youth. 

More information: https://agra.org/ | Rebecca Weaver, rweaver@agra.org 

About the AGRF

The AGRF, Africa’s Food Systems Forum, is the premier forum for African agriculture, bringing together stakeholders in the agricultural landscape to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African agriculture forward. The AGRF Partners Group is made up of 26 leading actors in African agriculture all focused on putting farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economies. The AGRF is designed to energize political will and advance the policies, programs, and investments required to achieve an inclusive and sustainable agricultural transformation. Learn more at www.agrf.org.