IGAD Member States Sign MoU with Partners to Strengthen Regional Food Security

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2025 (FMC) — Ministers and senior officials from IGAD member states convened in Addis Ababa to address the escalating food insecurity crisis in the Horn of Africa and neighboring regions.

The two-day Ministerial Meeting on Food Security and Opportunities in the IGAD Region was held alongside the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake and jointly organized by IGAD, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), and the Crop Trust.

The IGAD Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, opened the meeting by outlining the complex challenges facing the region, including climate extremes, conflict, economic instability, displacement, and fragile food systems infrastructure affecting over 50 million people in 2025.

Despite these challenges, he stressed the region’s untapped agricultural potential and opportunities for transformation through climate-smart agriculture, resilient crop varieties, inclusive investments, and regional early warning systems.

For his part, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Agriculture, Meles Mekonnen, presented the country’s progress and strategic vision, emphasizing four priority areas:

1. Strengthening early warning systems and cross-border coordination to improve preparedness and rapid response to food crises.

2. Enhancing regional collaboration on agricultural research, innovation, and extension services to increase productivity and sustainability.

3. Aligning national and regional food security strategies for cohesive implementation.

4. Establishing platforms for resource mobilization and capacity building to support member states effectively.

Minister Meles highlighted Ethiopia’s remarkable achievement of wheat self-sufficiency within three years, driven by expanded irrigation, improved seed varieties, and better agronomic practices. He also detailed the Green Legacy initiative’s contribution to restoring degraded lands and boosting climate resilience by planting over 40 billion seedlings since 2019.

Delegates from Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda echoed these concerns and commitments. The Djibouti representative stressed the urgent need to combat drought and water scarcity, highlighting water provision challenges in northern regions. The discussions underscored the importance of regional cooperation and alignment through IGAD’s platform to tackle common challenges effectively.

The meeting culminated in the adoption of a Joint Ministerial Communiqué reaffirming the political will of IGAD member states to pursue coordinated regional actions. The communiqué prioritized seed security, agrobiodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, disaster preparedness, innovative financing models, and data and technology sharing to build resilient food systems.

To oversee implementation, the ministers agreed to establish a Regional Technical Task Force coordinated by IGAD, supported by AGFUND and the Crop Trust, responsible for developing action plans, monitoring progress, and aligning efforts with national development frameworks.

Representatives from development partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), AGFUND, and the Crop Trust, reiterated their commitment to providing technical, financial, and strategic support. The FAO highlighted ongoing programs to improve cross-border resilience, agri-value chains, and market access for smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fishing communities across the region.

The meeting emphasized that sustained political commitment, targeted investments, and inclusive multi-stakeholder cooperation are vital to overcoming the food security challenges and achieving a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food future in the IGAD region.