Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Barbados have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote food systems.

In a statement, AGRA which has its headquarters in Nairobi, said the deal will strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest between relevant stakeholders in Barbados and Africa.

The MoU which was signed in Nairobi last week on Friday also includes last mile delivery of sustainable inputs, value chain models, digital technology and access to finance models.

COming at a time drought has ravaged most of the countires in Africa, the MoU further seeks to promote the mobilisation of public and private investments for food systems transformation.

According to the agreement, AGRA and the Government of Barbados will work together to develop solutions for increased public and private investments in food systems transformation and the development of innovative finance mechanisms.

Climate change war

“With this MoU, we see an opportunity to advance our South-to-South partnership to include Island States.  We will focus on a unified fight against climate change and support to functional food systems that advance the role of trade in feeding the world while minimizing its negative impacts on health and nutrition,” said AGRA President Agnes Kalibata.

Her sentiments were shared by Barbados Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kerrie Symmonds who said the MoU was a major step towards improving food systems in the two regions which share many similarities.

AGRA is a farmer-centered organization that seeks to transform Africa’s smallholder farming.