Regional Joint Agricultural Sector Review Workshop underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 27th March, 2025: As the region confronts pressing challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and economic disparities, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) convened the Regional Joint Agricultural Sector Review (JSR) workshop to assess the performance and results of the agriculture sector across East Africa in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
The objective of the JSR is to provide state and non-state stakeholders to evaluate their implementation and commitments as outlined in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) compacts, National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs), Regional Agriculture Investment Plans (RAIPs), and other related cooperation agreements
The two-day workshop from 27th – 28th March, 2025 with a special theme focused on “Youth Involvement in the Agri-Food System’ is also discussing the crucial role that the youth play in transforming agriculture and food systems in East Africa.
As the continent’s population continues to grow, harnessing the potential of young people in agriculture becomes imperative for achieving sustainable food security and economic development.
The workshop will further assess the performance and results of the agricultural sector and in turn assists governments/regional economic communities in setting sector policy and programmatic priorities. Specifically, it assesses how well state and non-state stakeholders implemented pledges and commitments stipulated in the CAADP compacts.
Speaking during the opening session of the workshop, the Director of Productive Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, Mr. Jean Baptise Havugimana, emphasised the importance of collaboration and accountability in achieving agricultural transformation.
Mr. Havigumana, who spoke on behalf of the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Hon Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, said that one of the goals of the workshop was to identify actionable strategies that can empower young people to take on leadership roles within the sector, ensuring that they are not just beneficiaries but key players in shaping the future of agriculture in the region.
Mr. Havugimana further disclosed that the workshop is an opportunity for the region to collectively identify best practices and develop strategies that will lead to sustainable agricultural growth and food security for the region.
The DPS informed the participants that the workshop presents a critical step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and coordination in agricultural policy-making and programmatic priorities.
“The outcomes of this workshop will contribute to shaping a strategic framework for future agricultural investments and initiatives, reinforcing the EAC's commitment to achieving sustainable food systems in the region,” added Mr. Havugimana.
The DPS disclosed that the EAC has demonstrated a strong commitment to align the development, implementation and review of its agricultural and food security policies, plans and strategies with the principles and framework of the CAADP.
“Consultations at regional and partner state levels clearly showed that key stakeholders welcome the initiative by the Community to establish a regional agriculture JSR platform,” he said.
On his part, Professor Jean Jacques Mbonigaba Muhinda, the Regional Head for East Africa at AGRA said that the challenges facing the agricultural sector in the region require collaborative action.
“The JSR workshop is an invaluable opportunity to assess our progress and strengthen our partnerships. We are all stakeholders in this journey, and by aligning our resources and efforts, we can achieve significant advancements in productivity and sustainability. Together, we can ensure that agriculture not only supports our economies but also secures the food needs of our populations for generations to come,” said Prof. Muhinda.
Throughout the duration of the workshop, participants will engage in a series of discussions and interactive sessions designed to foster a collaborative environment.
Participants will also be evaluating progress against established benchmarks, sharing successful interventions, and identifying new opportunities for investment and innovation in the agricultural sector.
The outcomes of the workshop will contribute significantly to setting informed sector policies and programmatic priorities, reinforcing the EAC's commitment to fostering a vibrant agricultural landscape that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.
For more information, please contact:
Simon Peter Owaka
Senior Public Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255 768 552087
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of eight (8) Partner States, comprising the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The Federal Republic of Somalia was admitted into the EAC bloc by the Summit of EAC Heads of State on 24th November, 2023 and became a full member on 4th March, 2024