FAO sets standard to guide PPP

THE Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), has said it would set standard that would serve as guidelines for the African agricultural sector to bridge the gap between the public and private sector.

FAO Agribusiness Officer, Stephanie Gallatova, stated this during an agribusiness workshop which had eight African countries in attendance in Nairobi, Kenya.

Gallatova, said the Public, Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives have the potential to help transform the production-oriented agricultural sector of African countries into a dynamic market-oriented Agri-Food sector.

She further added that the guideline will also create better understanding between the government and the private sector as they aspire to partner in a number of development projects.

“The guideline will help trigger finance from the private sector to finance country’s agricultural investment plans.

“The initiative is capable of availing improved farmer-market linkages and employment creation in rural areas and cities,” Gallatova stated.

She however, advised countries to engage in projects that are easier to sustain and avoid the difficult ones since they are perishable.

Gallatova reiterated on the continent’s potential to unlock perennial food insecurity through the incorporation of the private sector and the adoption of mechanisation.

She said: “With over 300 million hectares of arable land, agricultural activities are capable of providing food and revenue for the rural and commercial farmers.”

Gallatova urged African countries to choose their commodities of engagement well and emulate Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire that enjoys their partnership in the sugarcane and cocoa projects respectively.

Also, Head, Rural Economy Division Department of African Union Commission, Dr Janet Edeme, said the guideline will help all African countries to develop their PPP for five priority agricultural commodities by 2025.

She added: “The priority agricultural commodities are aimed at reducing post-harvest losses by 50 per cent and also ending hunger by 2025.”