Kampala declaration on the CAADP : building resilient and sustainable agri-food systems in Africa
The Kampala Declaration on the PDDAA, adopted in January 2025, outlines a plan for sustainable and resilient African agriculture. Dr. John M. Ulimwengu, an expert in agricultural development, analyzes the key issues of this declaration and advocates for collective action, inclusivity, and investments to meet the continent's future challenges.

By Dr. John M. Ulimwengu
An Agenda for Agri-Food Transformation
The African Union (AU) has taken a decisive step in addressing Africa’s agri-food challenges with the Kampala Declaration on the CAADP (Detailed Programme for the Development of Agriculture in Africa). Announced during the Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo CAADP, held from January 9-11 in Kampala, Uganda, this declaration provides a blueprint for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems. With Africa’s population expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, the declaration stresses the urgency of modernizing food systems to meet growing needs and environmental challenges.
Building on previous strategies
The declaration builds on a legacy of agricultural strategies, including the 2003 Maputo Declaration and the 2014 Malabo Declaration, reinforcing Africa’s long-term vision to transform agriculture into an engine of economic growth, food security, and sustainability. The Kampala Declaration expands this vision by integrating cutting-edge technologies, regional trade integration, and inclusivity to address the complex challenges of the continent’s agri-food sector.
Commitments to transform agri-food systems
The Kampala Declaration on the CAADP commits to increasing agri-food production by 45% by 2035
The Kampala Declaration on the CAADP commits to increasing agri-food production by 45% by 2035, halving post-harvest losses, and tripling intra-African trade in agricultural products. This transformation aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, which aims to boost trade and regional cooperation. Focusing on sustainable farming practices, strengthening input systems, and promoting technological innovation, the declaration seeks to improve productivity while preserving the environment. These measures will also integrate smallholder farmers, women, and youth into value chains to promote equitable growth.
Focus on investment and financing
A target of mobilizing $100 billion in public and private investments by 2035
To achieve its ambitious goals, the declaration emphasizes substantial investments in agri-food systems. It sets a target of mobilizing $100 billion in public and private investments by 2035. Additionally, it calls for at least 10% of annual public expenditures to be dedicated to agriculture, ensuring reinvestments in infrastructure, research, and capacity building. Public-private partnerships will play a crucial role in driving innovation, improving market access, and encouraging the growth of agri-food enterprises.
Priority on food and nutritional security
The declaration also prioritizes food and nutritional security, aiming to eliminate hunger across all AU Member States by 2035. It commits to reducing stunting, wasting, and obesity by 25%, while ensuring that 60% of the population can afford a healthy diet. The emphasis on traditional and indigenous crops, coupled with strengthened nutrition policies and consumer awareness, aims to combat malnutrition and promote sustainable diets. Additionally, investments in disease surveillance, veterinary services, and sustainable fishing highlight a holistic approach to food systems.
Promoting inclusivity and equitable growth
Inclusivity is a central theme of the declaration, which seeks to empower marginalized groups such as women, youth, and vulnerable populations. By 2035, it aims to reduce the gender yield gap between male and female farmers by 50% and ensure that at least 30% of women, youth, and vulnerable groups are involved in agri-food value chains. The focus on access to productive resources such as land, credit, and technology is complemented by initiatives that create climate-resilient jobs, particularly in green agriculture and renewable energy.
Strengthening agri-food system resilience
Resilience is at the heart of the declaration, with commitments to ensure that 30% of agricultural land is managed sustainably and 40% of households are protected from climate shocks by 2035. Investments in agricultural research, early warning systems, and indigenous knowledge aim to enhance the sector’s capacity to adapt to climate and socio-economic challenges. By integrating resilience strategies into national policies, the declaration seeks to minimize disruptions and protect livelihoods.
Enhancing governance and accountability
By 2028, all AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) will incorporate the Kampala Declaration into their national plans
Governance and accountability are foundational pillars of the declaration’s implementation. By 2028, all AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) will integrate the Kampala Declaration into their national plans for agri-food systems. The adoption of the biennial PDDAA review process by 2030 will promote transparency and mutual accountability, ensuring that progress is measured and shared.
A call to action for Africa’s agri-food future
A bold and comprehensive strategy to transform Africa’s agri-food systems into a global model of sustainability and resilience
The Kampala Declaration on the PDDAA represents a bold and comprehensive strategy to transform Africa’s agri-food systems into a global model of sustainability and resilience. However, achieving its goals requires a collective effort from governments, the private sector, civil society, and international partners. Member States must integrate these commitments into their policies and investments, while the private sector is encouraged to drive innovation and market development. Development partners must align their technical and financial support with the declaration’s priorities. This declaration is not just a roadmap; it is a call to action for a brighter future. It addresses Africa’s immediate food security needs while positioning the continent as a leader in global agri-food sustainability, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling complex challenges.
*Dr. John M. Ulimwengu is a Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) (John M. Ulimwengu | IFPRI).