Nomazulu Moyo
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development recently held its 10th session (ARFSD-10) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable development.
The ARFSD-10 brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders and discussed among others, the critical role of agricultural risk management in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Platform for Agricultural Risk Management (PARM)
PARM, a global partnership focused on Agricultural Risk Management (ARM), showcased its results during the forum. By adopting a holistic approach, PARM directly contributes to sustainable agricultural growth, rural investment enhancement, food security improvement, and resilience building for vulnerable rural households. The platform’s efforts align with several SDGs, including SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Innovative Financing and Risk Mitigation
During the ARFSD-10, PARM participated in a side event titled “Harnessing the Potential of Innovative Financing for Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Implementation.” Collaborating with partners such as FAO, ECA, UNICEF, IFAD, AU, and the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, PARM highlighted innovative financial initiatives in agriculture. These initiatives aim to better manage agricultural risks, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable access to finance.
Francesca Nugnes on Holistic Risk Management
Francesca Nugnes, PARM’s Capacity Development and Private Sector Specialist, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to risk management. She cited the successful implementation of a warehouse receipt system combined with contract farming in Burkina Faso. By addressing price volatility and promoting sustainable practices, PARM aims to move away from reactive crisis response and toward proactive risk management strategies.
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Regional Risk Assessment and Value Chains
Nugnes also proposed conducting an agricultural risk assessment study at the regional level, guided by the African Union Commission (AUC). Such an assessment would inform targeted risk reduction measures and support the post-Malabo roadmap. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Director of IFAD’s East and Southern Africa Division, echoed the need to address regional value chains to enhance resilience and investment opportunities.
Challenges and Solutions
Fatma Triki, Head of Research and Studies at Enda Tamweel, shared insights into financing obstacles faced by actors in agricultural value chains. These challenges include structural, cyclical, financial sector-specific, and technical barriers. Enda Tamweel, a microfinance institution benefiting from IFAD and PARM in Tunisia, works toward financial and social inclusion for marginalized Tunisian populations.
Towards Zero Hunger
At the main session on SDG2 (Zero Hunger), Fatma Triki emphasised the importance of inclusive financing policies targeting small-scale farmers. By addressing these challenges head-on, stakeholders can contribute to achieving SDG2 and ensuring food security for all.
