IGAD signs MoU to strengthen food security across Horn of Africa
New partnership targets drought-hit communities through agriculture, finance, and water solutions.
AFRICA – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) and the Crop Trust to support food and water security across the Horn of Africa.
The move comes as drought, conflict, and erratic weather continue to push millions into hunger across the region.
The agreement, signed during the Arab Coordination Group meetings, outlines a joint plan to improve long-term food systems through coordinated regional action.
The partners will focus on digital financial inclusion, agricultural biodiversity, early warning systems, water management, and skills development.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu welcomed the deal and called it a timely response to growing needs in the region.
“We are witnessing a multidimensional food crisis that demands urgent, coordinated, and innovative responses,” said Dr. Gebeyehu.
“This MoU demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring no one in the region goes hungry, while building the systems and institutions that will secure food and nutrition for generations to come.”
The partnership brings together AGFUND’s funding capacity and the Crop Trust’s experience in seed preservation and genetic diversity.
Together with IGAD’s regional coordination role, the three organizations aim to support both emergency action and long-term solutions.
Dr. Gebeyehu pointed out the importance of protecting the region’s plant and seed resources in the face of climate stress.
“Preserving agricultural biodiversity through support for gene banks is vital to safeguarding our food systems. It ensures farmers have access to climate-resilient crops and adaptive solutions in the face of changing weather patterns,” he said.
Tech and finance at the center
The agreement also places a strong focus on expanding the use of digital platforms and financial services, especially among smallholder farmers. The goal is to increase access to markets, improve productivity, and protect livelihoods.
“Technology and finance are powerful tools for empowering our farmers, especially women and youth, who are the backbone of our food systems,” Dr. Gebeyehu added.
Rainwater harvesting and better water use methods will also be supported under the new partnership. IGAD has often raised concern about the region’s water shortages and the impact of poor infrastructure on farming.
The MoU includes a joint plan to boost early warning systems and improve disaster response.
By collecting better data and building institutional capacity, IGAD and its partners hope to help governments and communities act faster and more effectively during weather-related emergencies.
This MoU builds on IGAD’s growing engagement with regional and global players to tackle food insecurity.
Just last month, IGAD launched the Regional Food Balance Sheet Dashboard, a digital tool to help governments track food availability, demand, and trade patterns.
IGAD also recently signed a cooperation agreement with the African Development Bank to scale up climate-smart agriculture and food system reforms.
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