AUC, ONE Campaign team up to improve African food security

Two of Africa's major service organizations, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the ONE Campaign, have teamed up to improve the continent's food security through the agriculture sector and nutrition programs.

Both groups signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday that outlines the processes by which grassroots initiatives and other efforts aimed at quelling poverty in Africa will be developed. These programs will seek to engage citizens across the continent.

“The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in our relationship and also in our collective bid to promote agricultural development and reduce poverty in Africa," Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, AUC commissioner of rural economy and agriculture and one of the signatories, said. "The majority of our people are farmers, so any effort to boost agriculture has a positive effect on their incomes and well-being."

Also signing the MoU was ONE Campaign interim Director Nachilala Nkombo.

“We are thrilled by the formalization of this partnership," Nkombo said. "It is a reflection of ONE’s commitment to support the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its Sustainable Development goals commitments in the member states."

Nkombo said the new partnership also would help with advocacy programs related to women's issues and the battle against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.