It is an important project that is intended to put Germany's cooperation with African partners on a new foundation and contribute to greater food security: On a four-day trip to Africa, Cem Özdemir, Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, together with the Commissioner for Agriculture of the African Union (AU ) Josefa Sacko opened the project office of the “Agricultural Policy Dialogue” (APD). The APD, which opened on Monday in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, is the first collaboration of this kind between the AU with its 55 member states and a German ministry.
“Strong and reliable partnerships that do not create new dependencies are more important today than ever,” said Özdemir at the opening. Only together is it possible to find solutions to global challenges such as the fight against hunger and the climate crisis, which are major causes of flight. “Our aim must be to ensure that the people in their countries have a long-term perspective – agriculture plays a central role here. For me, this is part of our agricultural diplomacy,” said Özdemir.
Sharing knowledge from Germany
To strengthen the partnership, a German-African team was founded and, for the first time, an agricultural attaché was sent to the German embassy in Addis Ababa, where the AU is based. “We will share many years of experience and valuable knowledge from Germany so that the member states of the African Union can expand their agriculture in line with their needs and sustainably,” emphasized Özdemir. The APD also pays particular attention to empowering women and the participation of young people. The federal government's goal is to conclude even more future partnerships like the one with the AU in order to promote productive, sustainable and location-adapted agriculture.
Before his trip, Özdemir highlighted the global challenges that are being exacerbated by the climate crisis, hunger and conflict. “These challenges affect us together, so we can only solve them by working together,” said the minister. He added that a sustainable agricultural policy plays a central role. It is not only crucial for feeding people, but also creates economic prospects and promotes peace, while at the same time keeping an eye on the protection of natural resources.
