The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Africa-Europe Diaspora Development Platform (ADEPT) have joined efforts to enhance the positive contribution of migration to the areas of agricultural and rural development
The agreement, signed in Brussels on the sidelines of the high-level event on Food and Agriculture in Times of Crises, marks the beginning of a formal collaboration in the areas of migration and rural development, with a focus on diaspora-related issues and agribusiness.
ADEPT President Khady Sakho Niang said, “Migration is a development driver generating positive change at the local and international level. The African diaspora is one of the major actors of this process, bringing about financial, intellectual and social contribution. We hope the FAO-ADEPT cooperation will enable us to join energies, knowledge, networks and expertise in two interlinked areas, migration and agriculture, for the benefit of the African people and continent.”
Migration is closely linked to FAO's goals of fighting hunger, achieving food security, reducing rural poverty and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
FAO and ADEPT plan to work jointly to promote awareness of the nexus of migration, agriculture and rural development and the opportunities associated with rural migration. The organisations will also combine their technical knowledge and capacity to increase diaspora engagement, focusing on agribusiness and resource mobilisation.
The activities of the partnership are expected to contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), principally zero hunger, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all, reducing inequality within and among countries and revitalising global partnerships for sustainable development.
