Côte d'Ivoire/ Launch of the SAFAF program to boost food security and support empowerment in the food-producing agricultural sector

The Minister of Industry and Trade, Dr Souleymane Diarrassouba, launched the Food Security from Fork to Fork (SAFAF) program in Abidjan-Plateau on Thursday, November 7, 2024, aimed at strengthening food security and empowering women and young people in the food-producing agricultural sector in Côte d'Ivoire.

Launched on the occasion of the Business Forum, the SAFAF program is the fruit of an unprecedented collaboration between the European Union (EU), the Ivorian government, represented by the Office d'aide à la commercialisation des produits vivriers (OCPV), and civil society, with the support of the NGO LadyAgri.represented by the Office d'aide à la commercialisation des produits vivriers (OCPV), and civil society, with support from the NGO LadyAgri.

According to Minister Diarrassouba, this program is an essential lever for promoting modern, productive and accessible agriculture, while reducing post-harvest losses and improving agricultural infrastructures.

He encouraged economic operators to invest more in agricultural value chains and to establish partnerships between Ivorian and European companies, taking advantage of the favorable economic environment put in place by the government.

The European Union's ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Francesca Di Mauro, emphasized that the SAFAF project is in line with the priorities of the European Union (EU) and Côte d'Ivoire's National Agricultural Investment Plan. She invited stakeholders to develop innovative financing mechanisms and strengthen their cooperation to maximize the program's impact on Ivorian food security.

For LadyAgri's Secretary General, Hilary Barry, the challenges are many. Food insecurity currently affects 12.6% of the Ivorian population, with post-harvest losses of up to 75%. By investing in the food sector, the SAFAF program aims to create sustainable jobs for young people and empower women, a crucial pillar for the country's economic growth and food security.

"The food sector in Côte d'Ivoire is full of potential for empowering women and young people. Through the SAFAF program and our strategic partnerships, we will address these challenges and seize opportunities to build a prosperous and sustainable future for all players in the food value chain," said Ms Barry.

Source: www.aip.ci/