Morocco Hosts 4th Ministerial Conference for 'Triple A' Initiative at SIAM Agricultural Show 2024

The 4th ministerial conference for the 'Triple A' (Adaptation of African Agriculture) initiative was held at the SIAM agricultural show in Meknès, Morocco in 2024. The conference stressed the critical need for more funding to help developing countries transition to clean energy, implement climate plans, and build resilience. Reforms to the global financial system and innovative funding mechanisms were seen as vital.

During the event, the Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Mohamed Sadiki, called for increased investment in agricultural research in Africa, which currently stands at less than 1% of the continent's GDP. He highlighted the significant disparity between developed and developing countries in terms of infrastructure, scientific capacity, technology, strategic vision, and governance.

The African Union (AU) Agriculture Commissioner, Josefa Sacko, also stated that food insecurity in Africa persists primarily because agricultural productivity has not kept pace with population growth. The AU recognizes the need for Africa to allocate at least 1% of its GDP to research and to promote agricultural research as a fundamental pillar.

Why this matters: The conference underscores the pressing need for concerted action and international cooperation to promote resilient and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. Transforming African agriculture presents a significant opportunity for economic development and food security on the continent.

The conference was held alongside the announcement of the 16th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition of Morocco (SIAM), themed 'Climate and Agriculture: For Sustainable and Resilient Production Systems'. Spain participated as the guest of honor, with over 1,500 exhibitors from 70 countries and an expected attendance of over 900,000 visitors.

Morocco and France also signed a roadmap to strengthen cooperation and partnership in the agricultural and forestry sectors during the event. Several agreements were signed between professionals from the two countries, including partnerships between industry associations, universities, and research institutes. The agreements aimed to support the development of the Moroccan seed, cereal, dairy, and oilseed sectors, as well as promote joint research and academic exchange.

The conference highlighted the importance of strengthening climate knowledge, raising ambition for mitigation and adaptation, and improving preparedness for climate disasters. Ministers praised the progress made by the AAA initiative and urged it to continue its work, particularly in creating partnerships to secure funding for African nations. "The urgency of addressing increasingly violent and unpredictable climate challenges through increased regional cooperation," stressed Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Mohammed Sadiki.

Key Takeaways

• 4th 'Triple A' conference in Morocco stressed need for more climate funding
• Morocco called for increased investment in African agricultural research
• AU recognized need for Africa to allocate 1% GDP to agricultural research
• Morocco and France signed roadmap to strengthen agricultural cooperation
• Conference highlighted urgency of addressing climate challenges through cooperation