Regional Consultation on the Union’s Agricultural Policy – UEMOA – Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea

From the 18th to the 20th of September 2023, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) organised an online regional consultation workshop on the implementation of the Union’s Agricultural Policy (PAU). This event was notable for the participation of representatives from agricultural institutions of seven out of the eight member countries of UEMOA, as well as several active organizations in the agricultural sector.

Workshop Agenda

The primary objective of this workshop was to share and consolidate each country’s contributions to the PAU while examining agricultural assessments for the period from 2001 to 2022. Discussions revolved around four key areas:

Internal Performance of the PAU: This group scrutinised the achievements and challenges faced by the PAU at the national level, highlighting progress in agricultural productivity, food security, and rural development.
External Performance of the PAU: This session analysed the impact of the PAU on regional and international agricultural cooperation.
Financing of Agricultural Policies in the Countries: Participants analysed the financing mechanisms of the PAU and resource allocation to support the agricultural sector.
Outlook for 2040: This group analysed recommendations to guide the PAU towards 2040, taking into account future challenges.

Active Participation

This workshop brought together approximately 60 engaged participants, each contributing their expertise and unique perspectives. Representatives from member countries provided detailed agricultural assessments of their respective nations, laying a solid foundation for subsequent discussions.

Furthermore, the involvement of organizations such as CAOPA, Hub Rural, APESS, INFOPÊCHE, PR-PICA, SP/CPSA, WiDAF-West Africa, YILAA, and ROPPA enriched the debates by incorporating voices from civil society, research, and agricultural development stakeholders.

UEMOA has demonstrated its commitment to creating a promising agricultural future for West Africa. All eyes are now on the implementation and realization of the goals set for 2040 by member countries, with the aim of improving the lives of the populations in the UEMOA region.