Africa Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan launched at Food Systems Forum

In the continent’s journey towards transforming agrifood systems through preserving and conserving vegetable biodiversity and sustainable use, the Africa Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan (AVBRP), was launched today during the first day of the Africa Food Systems Forum under the session ‘Harnessing our Vegetable Heritage.

In his keynote address during the launch, Dr Clement Adjorlolo, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)’s Head of Agriculture and Rural Transformation said the launch is not just a step forward but a leap towards securing a rich vegetable biodiversity for the current and future generations.

He said the vegetable biodiversity of Africa is a treasure trove of untapped potential.

“This initiative is designed to safeguard and integrate these invaluable genetic resources into sustainable agrifood systems governance and practices. By doing so, we are not only ensuring food security and enhancing nutrition outcomes but also fostering economic growth in our communities.

“Our vegetable heritage tells the story of our rich cultural diversity and their connection to the land. Our responsibility is to sustain this legacy through responsible utilization, preservation, policy innovation, and practice. The Plan will support local farmers, encourage agrifood systems research, and promote the cultivation of indigenous vegetables,” Dr. Adjorlolo said.

With collaborations across multiple sectors, including government, NGOs, and private enterprises, the African Union is confident that this Action Plan will have significant positive impacts.

He reiterated that the African Union, through its Policy body (AUC), departments, and development agency (AUDA-NEPAD), will support the domestication of the Plan by facilitating the mobilization of technical and financial resources.

“The AVBR Plan 2025 – 2035 aligns with our continental Strategy and Action Plan of the Post-Malabo CAADP Agenda. In this regard, the AUC and AUDA-NEPAD will facilitate the endorsement of this Plan by the AU Policy Organs through the STC Decision.

“Dear Participant, The AU, working hand in hand with the World Vegetable Centre, Crop Trust, and other key actors, will facilitate the acceleration, innovation, and impact delivery of Africa’s Vegetable Biodiversity Conservation and maintain its rich heritage for the African Food Systems Transformation We Want, regards of the Geography—rural or urban, culture and economy,” he added.

Dr. Adjorlolo oversees the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), including CAADP implementation instruments such as the National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP), the Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP), and the CAADP Biennial Review (BR) processes.

He co-leads the coordination of the African Seed and Biotechnology Programme (ASBP). As part of his portfolio, he leads the deployment of digital systems for tracking and reporting on the CAADP Malabo commitments and agrifood system