The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called on member states to enhance the absorption of agriculture budgets to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on food imports. Speaking during the unveiling of IGAD’s Regional Agriculture Investment Plan, the organization’s Food Systems Programme Coordinator, Senait Regassa, noted that the effective use of agriculture funds across the region has been hampered by persistent conflicts and instability, which have disrupted food supply chains and driven up the region’s food import bill.
In Kenya, the National Treasury allocated Ksh 47.6 billion to the agriculture sector in the 2025/26 financial year, representing just 1 percent of the total national budget. This figure falls significantly below the 10 percent target recommended under the African Union’s Malabo Declaration, which calls for stronger investments in agriculture to spur growth and reduce poverty.
IGAD emphasized that in order to bridge the funding gap, governments must not only increase allocations to the agriculture sector but also ensure full absorption of the allocated funds. The use of technology to track the uptake and utilization of funds was highlighted as a critical tool in enhancing transparency and ensuring that targeted agricultural interventions reach intended beneficiaries.
“Technology can play a key role in monitoring fund utilization and ensuring that agricultural investments are result-oriented,” said Regassa.
In addition to funding issues, the organization urged member states to prioritize peace and stability through dialogue, noting that conflicts in the Horn of Africa have significantly disrupted agricultural productivity and trade.
To promote food security and economic integration, IGAD also encouraged the harmonization of tariffs among member states to facilitate cross-border trade. Enhanced trade is expected to stimulate regional agriculture and improve food distribution.
The newly launched Regional Agriculture Investment Plan aims to boost regional agricultural production by 45 percent and increase value addition by 35 percent. IGAD believes that with strategic investment, conflict resolution, and policy coordination, the region can achieve sustainable food systems and reduce dependence on food imports.
