A research fellow at the Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Dr Olawale Olayide, has urged Africa leaders to invest in human capacity development to transform agriculture in Africa. Dr Olayide made this known during the 13^th edition of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform which was held in Uganda.

Dr Olayide was a member of the panel that discussed the topic on “evidence-based planning for Malabo compliant national agriculture investment plans (NAIPs) and regional agriculture investment plans (RAIPs) as a foundation for agricultural transformation.”

Dr Olayide emphasised the importance of the academia in providing leadership in capacity development and knowledge management systems. “There is need for capacity development and training of the workforce that will deliver on the commitments of the Malabo Declaration on agricultural transformation in Africa,” he said.

The 13^th edition of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform was held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda during May 31 – June 2, 2017. Over 350 participants were at the meeting. Participants comprises the representatives of Government political/policy and technical officials; parliamentarians; regional economic communities; farmers and farmers’ organisations; private sector; civil society organisations; knowledge and research institutions; and the development partners. The theme for the meeting was “Strengthening Mutual Accountability to Achieve CAADP/Malabo Goals and Targets”.

The CAADP Partnership Platform (CAADP PP) is an open, African Union (AU) member States-led forum. It is organised to reflect an element of continued learning to ensure its adaptation to changing circumstances, needs and aspirations and thereby, remaining relevant in advancing the CAADP vision and objectives. The CAADP PP also stimulates and facilitates a process of sharing and learning on substantive agricultural transformation issues including policies, institutions, technologies, partnerships and alliances, as well as skills and knowledge.