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Kampala, Uganda – November 18, 2024 – The Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources (ATNR) of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)in partnership with the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) signed a resolution officially recognizing agroecology as a strategic priority for formulating and recommending sustainable policies in agriculture, tourism, and natural resource management across the East African region. This resolution was adopted during the Capacity Building activity on Agroecology activity held from in Kampala, Uganda, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-ROME) of the United Nations. The event aimed to equip EALA members with valuable insights and practical tools to promote agroecology in the region.
The resolution acknowledges the urgent challenges facing agrifood systems in the region and recognizes the importance of uniting collective efforts and parliamentary actions to promote agroecology as a holistic strategy for the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems.
The EALA-ATNR has requested the support of FAO to develop regional legal frameworks that promote agroecology, aiming to strengthen the actions of EALA-ATNR in creating sustainable agricultural policies. The committee has also requested FAO’s support to follow up on this initial meeting and to continue promoting, advocating for, and raising awareness among EALA members in the development of policies and parliamentary initiatives in the field of agroecology.
Hon. Françoise Uwumukiza, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources of EALA, stated that, “This resolution marks a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices in East Africa. By embracing agroecology, we are committed to creating a future that values ecological integrity and the welfare of our people, with the aim to end hunger by 2030 as we promote the right to adequate food, leaving no one behind”.
She further expressed EALA’s commitment to advancing agroecology in the region. “We reaffirm our commitment to advancing agroecology in East Africa, and this document serves as a guiding framework for our ongoing efforts,” said Hon. Françoise Uwumukiza, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources of EALA. “We strive to create a sustainable future that values ecological integrity and the welfare of our people.” She added.
On his part, Jean-Leonard Touadi, Special Coordinator of Parliamentary Networks Team, Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division (PSU), added, “The collaboration between FAO and EALA is crucial for the successful implementation of agroecological practices. We look forward to continued partnership and progress in this vital area.”
The resolution is a significant step towards promoting sustainable development in the East African region, and EALA is committed to working with FAO and other stakeholders to advance agroecology and ensure a food-secure and environmentally sustainable future for the people of East Africa.
Resolutions Adopted:
• Development of Regional Legal Frameworks: Requesting FAO’s support to develop regional legal frameworks that promote agroecology, aiming to strengthen EALA-ATNR’s actions in creating sustainable agricultural policies.
• Continued Promotion and Advocacy: Requesting FAO’s support to follow up on this initial meeting and continue promoting, advocating for, and raising awareness among EALA Members in developing policies and parliamentary initiatives in agroecology.
• Commitment to Agroecology: Reaffirming the commitment to advancing agroecology in East Africa, highlighting the dedication to protecting the environment, improving food security, and enhancing community well-being.
Source:EALA Website