Latest news with #AU-IBAR
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
A Continental Imperative: Launch of Africa's One Health and Climate Health Strategies
In a landmark moment for public health and environmental stewardship, AU-IBAR and Africa CDC have jointly launched two pivotal strategies: the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Control Strategy (2025–2030) and the Africa CDC Strategic Framework on Climate Change and Health (2025–2029). These frameworks mark a unified, cross-sectoral approach to tackling the interlinked challenges of zoonotic disease and climate change on the continent. Speaking at the launch in Addis Ababa, Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, urged stakeholders to move from intention to implementation: 'Let us move beyond declarations—now is the time for united, cross-sectoral action. I call on all stakeholders to embrace the One Health Strategy as a continental imperative. Together, we must forge a new era of health security, where animal, human, and environmental health are protected as one. Africa's resilience depends on it, and our future demands it.' The strategies were developed through a collaborative, evidence-based process engaging Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical partners, and civil society. The goal is clear: to build a resilient Africa that manages risks proactively rather than reactively. The Deputy Director General of Africa CDC emphasized that the time for talk is over: 'These frameworks are more than strategy documents; they are Africa's collective commitment to protecting our people, our ecosystems, and our future. We must move from rhetoric to results. The time to act is now, and the responsibility rests with all of us.' Adding to the sense of urgency, Ethiopia's Minister of Health reminded participants of the interconnectedness of Africa's well-being: 'Our health, ecosystems, and economies are deeply intertwined. We cannot protect one without investing in all. This is a call for action, not another declaration.' With over 75% of emerging human diseases originating from animals, and climate change exacerbating health risks, the new strategies offer a roadmap to strengthen surveillance, improve early warning systems, and integrate public, animal, and environmental health responses. These frameworks serve as a rallying cry to governments, RECs, donors, research institutions, and civil society organizations to come together under a shared vision. As the continent faces an increasingly uncertain health landscape, these strategies offer not just guidance, but hope—and demand decisive, coordinated action. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sustainable Seas, Prosperous Communities: African Union (AU) Presents Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture
The African Union (AU), through its Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), delivered a significant presentation on the continental policy direction for fisheries and aquaculture at a side event during the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) Conference held in Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda, from June 24 to 27, 2025. The presentation, led by Simon Owani Olok, Senior Policy Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture at AU-IBAR, highlighted the essential role that fisheries and aquaculture play in the lives of over 10 million Africans, most of whom are among the rural poor. These sectors are crucial for ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and enhancing the livelihoods of individuals. However, they are currently under severe threat due to weak and uncoordinated institutions, ineffective governance, and policies that have led to the over-exploitation of commercially important fish stocks. This has limited the sector's sustainability and reduced its contribution to food security, poverty alleviation, and wealth creation. Despite the rapid growth of aquaculture in Africa, the sector faces numerous challenges that must be addressed for it to fill the gap left by declining capture fisheries effectively. Recognizing the urgent need for reform, the AU has made several high-level political commitments to restore fisheries to their maximum sustainable yields and to promote the sustainable development of aquaculture. Notable among these are the commitments made at the 2015 World Summit on Sustainable Development, the Abuja Declarations of 2014, and resolutions from the Conference of African Ministers of Fisheries and Aquaculture. These initiatives led to the development of the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), which serves as the continent's blueprint for the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The PFRS aims to realise the full potential of the aquaculture sector to generate wealth, provide social benefits, and contribute to Africa's economic development through market-led, sustainable strategies. Implementation is guided by a continental 10-year plan of action, which aligns with the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and key political declarations. The AU's approach to reform has involved increasing awareness among policymakers about the actual value of fish resources, creating an enabling environment for investment, and developing practical strategies to unlock the sector's socio-economic potential. The PFRS was endorsed by African Union Heads of State and Government in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in 2014, and provides a structured guide for national and regional policy coherence. Its main objectives include sustainable management, increased productivity and profitability, wealth generation, improved social welfare, enhanced nutrition and food security, and strengthened regional collaboration. Several key milestones have been achieved since the introduction of the PFRS. The African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM) was established as the delivery mechanism for reforms, and platforms such as the African Platform of Regional Institutions for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Systems (APRIFAS) and the Policy Research Network for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PRNFAA) were created. A pan-African strategy for data collection and dissemination was developed, and research networks were established to support evidence-based policy. Sixteen AU Member States have fully aligned their fisheries and aquaculture policies with the PFRS, and support continues for others to do the same. The responsibility for implementing the PFRS lies primarily with Member States. Ministries, departments, and agencies responsible for the sector are expected to regulate, promote, and coordinate reforms through broad stakeholder engagement. They are also tasked with integrating fisheries and aquaculture into national development plans, mobilizing resources, investing in capacity development, and fostering both vertical and horizontal partnerships. National priorities should be continually reviewed to address emerging issues, and progress should be reported to AU-IBAR and AUDA-NEPAD. The AU remains committed to providing leadership and technical support to ensure that fisheries and aquaculture become central pillars of Africa's economic transformation. For more information on the AU's fisheries and aquaculture policy direction and ongoing reforms, visit AU-IBAR's official website. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Zambia Advances Policy Alignment with Continental Fisheries and Aquaculture Strategy
The Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa stands as one of the African Union's most transformative instruments for advancing the continent's blue economy. Anchored in the principles of sustainability, food and nutrition security, and inclusive economic growth, the PFRS provides a coherent continental roadmap for policy reform and investment in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. Since its adoption in response to the 2010 call from the Conference of African Ministers on Fisheries and Aquaculture (CAMFA), the strategy has been instrumental in guiding AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and Fisheries Bodies to strengthen governance, institutional frameworks, and climate resilience in aquatic food systems. Against this backdrop, a Stakeholder Consultation and Validation Workshop is currently underway in Lusaka, Zambia, from 16th to 19th June 2025, hosted by AU-IBAR in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock of the Republic of Zambia. The workshop seeks to align national fisheries and aquaculture strategies and agricultural investment plans with the PFRS, while integrating relevant global and regional instruments and addressing climate change adaptation. Opening the event, Mr. Mwila, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (above picture), highlighted Zambia's commitment to advancing the fisheries sector through value chain development and increased fish production. "We aim to grow our annual fish output to 225,000 metric tonnes by 2026 by scaling up fingerling production and enhancing monitoring and surveillance systems," he stated. Mr. Mwila further emphasized that harmonizing legislation and aligning with continental policy through such consultations is vital for Zambia's policy coherence and long-term sustainability. He noted that the workshop represents a key step in the country's domestication process and called on stakeholders to consider the benefits of shared continental and global instruments. Representing the AU-IBAR Director, Mrs. Patricia Lumba reaffirmed the Bureau's commitment to supporting Member States in aligning national frameworks with continental strategies. She reminded participants that Zambia is the 16th country AU-IBAR is supporting in this alignment process. Mrs. Lumba also reflected on the origins and impact of the PFRS, noting that its development was driven by a continent-wide consultative process and grounded in the shared aspiration to transform Africa's aquatic resources into engines of prosperity. 'The PFRS and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy are not just policy tools—they are instruments of transformation for communities, economies, and ecosystems across Africa,' she remarked. Over the four-day workshop, stakeholders—including government officials, regional bodies, researchers, and consultants—are reviewing findings from national consultations on policy coherence with the PFRS. They are also making specific recommendations for the domestication of global instruments, such as those related to biodiversity, food safety, and small-scale fisheries. Discussions are being held in breakout sessions and plenary formats, focusing on improving national agricultural investment plans (NAIPs), ensuring climate-smart approaches, and identifying legal and institutional reforms needed to implement the PFRS effectively. The agenda covers detailed technical sessions, including analysis of Zambia's national frameworks, identification of alignment gaps, and the development of actionable policy recommendations. Participants are also reviewing the integration of climate change adaptation into investment planning and assessing how to mainstream sustainability principles into fisheries governance. As the workshop draws to a close, it is expected to deliver a consolidated communiqué outlining key agreements, next steps, and Zambia's roadmap for alignment. The workshop aims to review and update National Fisheries Policies, compile best practices, identify policy gaps, establish priority actions, and strengthen the capacity of the AU-MS to ratify prioritized global instruments for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, while also strengthening NAIPs for investment. The Lusaka workshop underscores AU-IBAR's role in driving a pan-African approach to aquatic resources governance, and the importance of consensus-building among stakeholders in realizing shared aspirations for a resilient, inclusive, and thriving blue economy across Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Zawya
10-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
The African Union - Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Spotlights Camelids as Pillars of Climate Resilience at Regional Forum
The Regional Forum on Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Africa, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the African Union Commission, began today, with AU-IBAR playing a key role. This three-day event, which focusses on climate resilience, food security, and economic transformation in Africa's livestock sector, emphasises the crucial importance of sustainable practices. The Regional Forum on the International Year of Camelids and Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Africa, co-organized by the FAO and AU-IBAR, aims to promote sustainable livestock systems and the role of dromedary camels in improving food security, resilience, and economic development throughout Africa. The meeting provides an opportunity to explore policy frameworks, highlight successful initiatives, encourage investment, and advance the Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation. An accompanying exhibition commemorates the International Year of Camels, highlighting innovations and traditional knowledge from camel-keeping communities. The inaugural ceremony, conducted by FAO Assistant Director-General Abebe Haile-Gabriel, emphasised the importance of modernising livestock systems to meet Africa's growing population demands. AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati was represented by AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih, who presented measures to improve sustainability, equity, and resilience in continental livestock systems. She further noted that: 'The vital role camelids and sustainable livestock systems play in achieving food security, improved livelihoods and resilience across Africa.' Dr. Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Livestock Development in Kenya, highlighted the vital role camels play in climate adaptation and economic development across arid regions. In giving a presentation on AU-IBAR's strategic plan and efforts, she noted "AU-IBAR helps Member States modernize policies to increase productivity, enhance animal health and connect value chains through projects such as the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA). Our aims are to share findings and bring stakeholders and through coordinated efforts, we work towards bringing sustainable and resilient value chains.' Throughout the day, AU-IBAR will host discussions about national investments, policy alignment, and camel development, emphasising their commitment to integrating camel resilience methods in dry regions. Discussions on livelihoods, nutrition, and food security, conducted by AU-IBAR's Mary Mbole-Kariuki, will focus on the nutritional benefits of camel milk and AU-IBAR's activities to improve household income and food security. As the forum progresses, AU-IBAR is expected to be involved in discussions about One Health, natural resource governance, and investment policies. Their contributions will shape future policy conversations on food system reform, impacting global summits such as the Africa Climate Summit and COP30. The forum will last until June 12, 2025, with the results intended to inform regional and worldwide plans for sustainable agricultural and resilient food systems. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kenya: Stakeholders Convene in Mombasa to Strengthen Gender, Climate, and Environmental Dimensions in Regional Octopus Fisheries Value Chains
From 3rd to 5th June 2025, stakeholders from across the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region have convened for a regional consultative workshop to validate a study on strengthening gender dimensions, climate change, and environmental considerations in regional value chains for small-scale octopus fisheries. The workshop is organized by the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), with the support of the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), under the project 'Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Africa Blue Economy.' The gathering brings together over 30 participants, including government representatives from Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Comoros, small-scale fishers and fish workers, women's groups, non-state actors, academic and research institutions, and regional policy experts. The objective is to validate findings from a regional study conducted by Prof. Bernard Fulanda of Pwani University, which assessed the current state of the octopus fisheries value chain and proposed mechanisms to enhance gender inclusion, climate resilience, and sustainability across the sector. Context and Purpose Small-scale octopus fisheries are a lifeline for many coastal communities in the SWIO region. Women are actively engaged across multiple stages of the value chain—from gleaning and harvesting to processing and trading. Despite this, their contributions remain largely under-recognized in formal governance structures and policy-making spaces. These fisheries also face growing risks from climate change—such as coral bleaching, rising sea temperatures, and habitat degradation—alongside systemic challenges like unsustainable harvesting practices, limited infrastructure, and inequitable access to markets. The workshop therefore aims to promote inclusive dialogue and validate a shared regional roadmap to improve governance, enhance equity, and strengthen environmental sustainability. Strategic Frameworks Informing the Workshop The workshop aligns with two critical African Union policy frameworks: 1. The African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) – Endorsed in 2020, ABES promotes sustainable and inclusive use of aquatic resources. It emphasizes integrated governance, ecosystem-based management, and gender-responsive policies to fully realize the blue economy's socio-economic potential. 2. The Continental Strategy for Gender Mainstreaming in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Management – Adopted in February 2024, this strategy calls for inclusive participation of women and youth in aquatic resource governance, particularly within small-scale fisheries. These frameworks underpin the workshop agenda and ensure that its outcomes address cross-cutting priorities in gender equity, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. Workshop Proceedings and Key Sessions The opening session featured welcome remarks delivered by Francisca Gonoh, on behalf of Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, reaffirming AU-IBAR's commitment to inclusive and sustainable octopus fisheries. Mr. Collins Ndoro Kambu, Deputy DIrector of FIsheries, Kenya Fisheries Service Coast and Marine Office, Mombasa, speaking on behalf of the Director of Fisheries, underscored Kenya's efforts to integrate octopus fisheries into the national Blue Economy Strategy. He noted that while the fishery remains largely small-scale, it has high-end market potential and must be better supported through policy and infrastructure improvements. He also referenced this year's Madaraka Day theme—'Our Waters, Our Wealth'—which reaffirms the country's commitment to sustainable aquatic resource use. Participants also received overviews of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity Project, the African Blue Economy Strategy, and the Continental Gender Strategy, providing essential context for the study's validation. Prof. Bernard Fulanda then presented the draft study report, based on field assessments in Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, and Madagascar. Key findings included: • High female participation in harvesting, processing, and trade—particularly through gleaning and post-harvest activities; • Systematic exclusion of women from co-management structures such as Beach Management Units (BMUs); • Increasing environmental stress, including declining octopus stocks and coral degradation; • Inadequate infrastructure and unequal access to markets, particularly for women and small-scale fishers; • Promising locally led conservation models, including temporary closures and Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) in Madagascar, Zanzibar, and Tanzania. Participatory Discussions and Expected Outcomes Over the course of the workshop, stakeholders are grouped by country to assess national contexts, validate the study findings, and co-develop recommendations. Sessions also include fisherwomen sharing personal experiences and identifying practical solutions for gender-transformative and environmentally sustainable practices. By the close of the workshop, participants are expected to: • Develop a draft proposal for a regional fisher network to promote collaboration and support small-scale octopus fisheries; • Adopt a communiqué outlining next steps for finalizing the study, expanding engagement to countries such as Mozambique, Seychelles, and Mauritius, and mobilizing regional investment; • Contribute to a roadmap for integrating the study findings into national and regional policy processes. Way Forward The validated study will directly inform AU-IBAR's regional and continental efforts to: • Advance gender-equitable governance in small-scale fisheries across AU Member States; • Promote climate-resilient value chains that support livelihoods and ecological sustainability; • Strengthen coordination on aquatic biodiversity conservation across the SWIO region; • Support fisher-led initiatives through technical assistance, policy advocacy, and knowledge exchange mechanisms. Including women, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems in Africa's blue economy transformation is a top priority, and this workshop is a crucial step in that direction. The concepts of inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability should guide regional fisheries management. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
