On December 5, 2024, the Environmental Protection and Development Association (EPDA) hosted a compelling panel discussion on the theme “Agro-Food Systems” as part of the UNCCD COP16 conference.
Moderated by EPDA’s Executive Director, Mr. Tanda Godwin, the event convened experts, advocates, and stakeholders to explore pressing issues related to sustainable agriculture and food security.
To set the stage, Mr. Godwin provided an insightful overview of agroecological practices, highlighting case studies from across Africa. This contextual introduction framed the discussion and posed key questions for the panel:
- How can policies drive the adoption and scaling of agroecological practices?
- What role does civil society play in promoting agroecology and supporting farmers?
- How are local communities implementing agroecological solutions, and what challenges do they encounter?
- How can businesses and entrepreneurs invest in sustainable agriculture and strengthen value chains for agroecological products?
The first panel, titled “Promoting Agroecological Practices to Restore Degraded Lands and Improve Food Security,” featured Mr. Sunday Godfrey, Executive Director of SUHUCAM, who shared practical insights on agroecological innovations and their role in combating land degradation while enhancing food production.
The second panel, “Empowering Women and Youth as Key Agents in Sustainable Land Management and Improved Food Production,” spotlighted Sarah, EPDA’s Youth Coordinator, who emphasized the importance of youth and women’s active participation in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and land stewardship.
During the general discussions, Mr. Peter Ngole, Executive Director of AJESH, explored the policy dimensions of agroecology in Cameroon, highlighting technology integration and networking as crucial enablers for scaling incomes and fostering land restoration initiatives.
Mr. Wajiri Melvine, President and Founder of PEP Africa, stressed the social development aspect of agroecology, emphasizing that food security is a universal right. He called for collective action among governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to prioritize agroecology as a central strategy for sustainable development.
Additionally, Michael A. Cullen, (D.Phil.) who is the Managing Director, Head of Africa Project Sourcing at Terra Global Capital Ltd and an AJESH Partner, provided a global private sector perspective on agroecology, underscoring the role of forest restoration and carbon sequestration in combating climate change and advancing sustainable land management. It should be noted that Terra Global Capital Support the development of market mechanisms structured to conserve and sustain ecosystem services.
Held at the EPDA Pavilion (B13), this session offered a dynamic platform for exploring diverse aspects of agro-food systems, including land restoration, sustainable farming, and socio-economic empowerment. The insights and recommendations shared by the distinguished panelists contributed meaningfully to the broader discussions at UNCCD COP16, underscoring agroecology’s vital role in achieving land degradation neutrality and food security globally.
