IGAD Calls for Coordinated Investment to Build Resilient Regional Food Systems

Addis Ababa, September 16, 2026 (ENA) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called for coordinated and large-scale investment to strengthen food systems resilience across the Horn of Africa.

The call was made at the opening of IGAD Final Expert Validation and Ministerial Endorsement of the IGAD Regional Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (RASIP) 2026–2035 that opened today.

Speaking on the occasion, IGAD Food Systems Resilience Programme Project Coordinator Senait Regassa said the IGAD Regional Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (RASIP) 2026–2035 is designed to translate continental and regional commitments into practical action.

According to her, the regional agrifood systems investment plan links agriculture, environment, trade, and resilience into a coherent framework for food security, economic growth, and social stability.

She noted that food insecurity in the IGAD region is being driven by multiple and interconnected challenges, including climate shocks, conflicts, economic volatility and structural weaknesses in food systems.

The RASIP 2026–2035 seeks to take a more integrated approach to food systems by linking sustainable agricultural production with trade, investment, nutrition, climate resilience, governance and research.

The meeting is also considering the IGAD Regional Seed Policy and Regulatory Framework, which is intended to strengthen regional cooperation on seed systems and improve access to quality seed varieties adapted to climate and pest-related challenges.

The framework is expected to promote cooperation among governments, farmers, private-sector actors and technical and development partners, contributing to increased agricultural productivity and food security across the region.

Minister of Agriculture Advisor, Zena Habtewold, said the regional investment plan comes at a critical time as countries in the region continue to face food insecurity amid recurrent droughts, floods and other pressures.

“The regional agricultural system investment plan comes at a pivotal moment, aligning with the Kampala Declaration strategy and action plan,” he added.

He highlighted the potential of the region's agricultural resources and young population, stressing the need to translate these assets into practical investments and improved livelihoods.

The Advisor pointed to Ethiopia's experience in areas including irrigated wheat production, improved seed varieties and cluster farming as examples of efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security.

Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative, which combines landscape restoration, agroforestry, soil conservation and fruit-tree development, also demonstrates how agricultural productivity and environmental restoration can be pursued together.

During the three-day session, participants will review the investment priorities, results framework and implementation arrangements of RASIP 2026–2035 before its ministerial endorsement.

The meeting has brought together experts, policymakers, representatives of IGAD member states and development partners to review regional priorities and strengthen policy and investment frameworks for more resilient agrifood systems.

It forms part of IGAD's broader efforts to strengthen regional food systems resilience, improve preparedness for shocks and promote coordinated investment and policy action among member states.