Where Are Africa’s Food Systems Headed? A Call for Accountability

As the African Union Summit approaches, there’s a pressing question on many minds: are Africa’s food systems finally ready for transformation? The answer isn’t just about ambition; it’s about the systems we have in place—or, more accurately, the ones we don’t. It’s easy to overlook that behind the commitment to reform lies something deeper: the need for robust governance and accountability.

A History of Promises

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Since the launch of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in 2003, African governments have made bold promises. They pledged to allocate at least 10 percent of their national budgets to agriculture—a commitment reiterated in declarations from Malabo in 2014 to the Kampala CAADP Strategy for 2026-2035. But despite these lofty aspirations, the reality remains stark: one in five Africans still goes to bed hungry, and few nations have actually met their budgetary pledges.

This isn’t just a tale of unmet targets. It’s about the people who bear the brunt of these shortcomings. While promises are made at high-level summits, families in rural areas continue to struggle for food security. It’s clear that ambition without accountability leads to stagnation.

The Kampala Correction

Fast forward to the recently adopted Kampala Declaration and Action Plan in 2025. This document signifies a pivotal shift in how Africa approaches its food governance. For the first time, national parliaments have taken center stage in the CAADP process, with the responsibility to align local laws with continental goals.

What does this mean? It means lawmakers are now expected to connect the dots between agriculture, nutrition, climate, and trade. They’re tasked with ensuring that executive commitments are not just ink on paper, but actionable items that can be monitored and evaluated. This is a game changer, not just for policy but for everyday people relying on these systems to improve their lives.

Why is this so important? It emphasizes that accountability doesn’t rest solely on governments; it needs to include civil society, equal representation, and local authorities. Without these checks and balances, the risk of empty promises becomes increasingly likely.

The Action Plan

The African Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN) has interpreted this new governance directive through its own Ten-Year Parliamentary Call to Action (2026–2035). The plan includes several critical tasks for legislatures:

• Align and update laws that govern food, trade, climate, and health.
• Scrutinize agricultural budgets for efficiency.
• Foster partnerships with civil society and local government entities.
• Ensure policies are responsive to the needs of women and youth.
• Develop data capabilities that allow for evidence-based discussions.

When you think about it, these tasks boil down to one crucial element: a commitment to transparency and oversight. Only with clear mechanisms can we hope to monitor progress effectively.

The Political Economy of Food

Now let’s talk about a critical point: priorities. In many African nations, the debt-service costs often overshadow agricultural budgets. It’s a troubling reality, as reliance on external aid is not sustainable. Parliamentarians hold the power to allocate funds and can make choices that prioritize local food security over debt payments.

Countries like Rwanda provide a playbook for success. By implementing performance contracts and result -driven budgeting, they illustrate that good governance can steer progress more effectively than merely increasing funding. It’s not about how much money is thrown into the system; it’s about how that money is managed and directed.

Accountability: The Missing Link

As heads of state gather at the upcoming AU summit, the Kampala Declaration serves as a crucial reminder: Africa’s food crisis is a governance issue as much as a production one. While infrastructure, markets, and agricultural inputs are vital pieces of the puzzle, the institutional infrastructure, the systems that oversee and enforce food security initiatives, is sorely lacking in many cases.

What does this mean moving forward? The next decade under CAADP must make governance a priority. The Kampala Declaration emphasizes that true success stems from collaborative efforts between technical agencies and political institutions. The real litmus test will be whether parliaments are willing to confront inefficiencies head-on and legislate for a future that emphasizes long-term resilience.

Using the Mandate Wisely

For the first time, parliamentarians have a well-defined mandate to ensure that ambitious goals translate into real-world results. They now hold the keys to make necessary adjustments and enforce changes that matter. But it will require courage and commitment from those in power to challenge the status quo and prioritize the well-being of their constituents.

As we readied ourselves for the discussions at the African Union Summit, one hopes that this new approach can revitalize Africa’s food systems. It’s about more than just agriculture. It’s about people, communities, and the very fabric of society.

Looking Ahead

The story of Africa’s food systems is still being written. Each new declaration, each budget allocation, and each community initiative adds a chapter. But if the narrative is to become one of hope and transformation, accountability isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity.

For you, as readers, this is more than just a distant political discussion. The policies made today will impact food availability, nutritional diversity, and the economic stability of future generations. As individuals, being aware of these developments allows you to contribute to discussions and advocacy that hold leaders accountable.

Let’s keep the conversation alive. Africa’s journey toward food security is a shared responsibility. When leaders prioritize responsibility and transparency, everyone benefits. This is a message worth spreading as we work toward a hopeful future, nourished by accountability and ambition.