The Djibouti AgriConnect Compact brings together government institutions, producers, financial institutions, private companies, development partners and the World Bank Group.
Djibouti is the first country in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan (MENAAP) region to complete an AgriConnect Compact.
The roadmap identifies livestock, horticulture and dates as priority value chains with strong potential to attract private investment, increase domestic production and create employment.
Nearly 90% of Djibouti’s food requirements are currently met through imports. The Compact seeks to build a more productive and resilient domestic food sector despite the country’s difficult climatic conditions. “This Compact reflects Djibouti’s commitment to unlocking the potential of agriculture and agribusiness as drivers of food security, economic opportunity and job creation,” Djibouti Minister of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Livestock and Marine Resources Radwan Ali Bahdon said.
“By bringing together government institutions, producers, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners around a shared vision, we are laying the foundation for stronger and more competitive agricultural value chains that can benefit communities across the country.”
Livestock contributes nearly 75% of agricultural gross domestic product and supports approximately 80% of the rural population.
The Compact proposes stronger producer organisations, improved animal health services and increased productivity to generate greater value, income and employment from the livestock sector.
Horticulture and date production could help reduce food imports while supporting local processing, logistics, trade and marketing businesses.
The roadmap also prioritises improved access to finance, investment in infrastructure, stronger agricultural services and a business environment capable of supporting agribusiness development. “Djibouti’s AgriConnect Compact marks an important milestone as the first compact finalised in the MENAAP region,” World Bank Group Vice-President for the MENAAP Ousmane Dione said.
“By bringing together public and private-sector actors around priority agricultural value chains, it can help mobilise investment, strengthen food security and create more and better jobs for Djiboutians.”
The Compact was developed through consultations with government institutions, producer organisations, agribusinesses, financial institutions and development partners.
–WorldBank/ChannelAfrica–
