Pan-African Parliament's Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security in Africa launched

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) proudly hosted the launch of the Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) in Africa, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition. This pivotal event, held at the PAP precincts in Midrand, South Africa, saw the congregation of distinguished guests, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to enhancing food security across Africa, marked a significant step forward in the collective efforts to address food and nutrition security challenges across the African continent.

Opening Session

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome by the Vice Chairperson of the PAP Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Hon. Abdallah Barakat. This was followed by a series of opening remarks from prominent figures. Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa at the FAO, delivered a recorded video message, highlighting the importance of the Model Law in achieving sustainable food security. Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, Director for Agriculture, Food Security, Environmental Sustainability, and Climate Change at AUDA-NEPAD, and Lydie Kouame, Deputy Director of the African Union Global Office at the World Food Programme (WFP), shared insights into the collaborative efforts needed to implement the law effectively. The session was graced by the presence of H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, who underscored the legislative body's commitment to eradicating hunger in Africa.

Chief Charumbira also noted that the issue of food and nutritional security should be considered a human right and described it as a shame on Africa that the continent is unable to produce enough food to feed her population. This is in spite of the advantages that the continent enjoys in terms of fertile land and weather and called on parliamentarians to take the message back to their respective national parliaments.

Main Session

The main session, moderated by Hon. Sulayman Saho, Rapporteur of the PAP Committee on Agriculture, focused on the presentation and discussion of the Model Law on FNS. Mr. Clement Mavungu, Legal Officer at PAP, provided an overview of the law, explaining its framework and objectives. This was followed by a panel discussion on the domestication and popularization of the Model Law. Panelists included Hon. Esther Passaris from the PAP Committee on Agriculture, Ms. Kysseline Cherestal, Legal Officer at FAO, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, and Mr. Clement Mavungu. The discussion highlighted the need for cohesive efforts at both national and local levels to ensure the law's successful implementation.

Official Launch

The highlight of the ceremony was the official unveiling of the Model Law by H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira. The law aims to establish a robust legal framework to address food and nutrition security across the continent, ensuring that all individuals have access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food. The Model Law also emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the protection of vulnerable groups in achieving food security.

The launch of the Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security represents a pivotal step towards a hunger-free Africa, fostering cooperation among African nations and international partners to achieve this ambitious goal. As the law is expected to be discussed and possibly domesticated by the various national parliaments, it promises to bring about substantial improvements in the lives of millions, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the continent.