By Jeff Kizzilah
IGAD agricultural council upon member states to act collectively through to join forces with neighbors and relevant agencies including the Desert Locust Control Organization of Eastern Africa (DLCO-EA) towards the total eradication of this pest and address the broader aspects of climate change in the region.
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states, comprised of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda, convened in Nairobi.
The ministers to chart a path towards sustainable development, having deliberated on issues pertaining to the foregoing theme; We appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality extended by the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya, as well as the efforts being made by IGAD member states and partners to enhance risk transfer mechanisms and transboundary pest management in the region.
” we appreciate the initiative by IGAD through its Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) and the support provided by the Government of the United States of America and the World Bank to bring together delegates from the IGAD member states and partners to discuss and share our collective understanding of the region’s state of risk transfer mechanisms and transboundary pest management and affirm our shared commitment to promote proactive risk management”, Dr.John Ogoto ,Southern Sudan UnderSecretary for Food Security
The member states have express concern over the region’s increased vulnerability to climate change, and the observed intensification of extreme climate events including droughts and floods, and the impacts on food security and livelihoods.
The Ministry of Agriculture Kenya has recognize the high levels of acute food insecurity in the region, driven by multifaceted drivers including climate-related shocks, conflict and insecurity, and economic shocks;
“We recall the IGAD Regional Ministerial Meeting on Strengthening, Adapting and Accelerating National and Regional Efforts to Address Food Crises in the Region held on 7th October 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya, and the strategies agreed upon and outlines in the subsequent Communiqué to enhance, modify and expedite both national and regional initiatives aimed at addressing food crises”,said Mr Josphat Muhunyu,Agriculture Secretary Kenya
He said the kenya government has acknowledge the role of risk transfer and microinsurance mechanisms in building the resilience of societies against various risks, including natural disasters and economic shocks;
However he said the government also recall the outcomes and recommendations of the first and second Regional Conferences on Risk Transfer and Micro Insurance for Resilience Building in the IGAD region, held in Kampala and Khartoum, respectively and emphasize the importance of member states in creating conducive regulatory environments for the growth of risk transfer and microinsurance, including simplified licensing procedures and clear guidelines;
The IGAD has recognize the crucial role of technology and data to enhance the efficiency of risk transfer and microinsurance operations and further recognize the need for awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote the benefits of risk transfer and microinsurance mechanisms.