Horizon Tv Reporter  – June 21, 2025 A three-day experts' validation meeting on the IGAD Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP) 2016–2020 is currently underway in Nairobi, bringing together senior government officials, agriculture experts, and development partners from IGAD member states. The meeting aims to assess the progress made under the Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP) framework and chart the way forward in strengthening regional food security and agricultural investment. The deliberations are also revisiting the Kampala Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security, with renewed calls for a comprehensive review of the region’s approach to investment in food systems and rural development. In a media briefing, Dr. Senait Regassa, the Coordinator of the IGAD Food Systems Resilience Program, underscored the urgency of transf orming agriculture in the region to meet the needs of a growing population amidst climate, economic, and geopolitical challenges. “The Kampala Declaration laid a strong foundation for regional agricultural development. However, we must now adapt and realign our strategies to the current realities. Food systems resilience is not just about producing more  it's about equity, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration,” said Dr. Regassa. She called on member states to prioritize investment in climate-smart agriculture, regional trade integration, and the empowerment of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth. Dr. Rose Kitur, Director of NEPAD Programmes, emphasized the need for renewed political and financial commitment to transform agriculture into a viable and attractive sector for the youth. “It is time to go beyond policy commitments and move into concrete, budget-backed actions. Our people cannot eat plans  they need results. Member states must take ownership of regional goals and ensure national plans are fully aligned,” said Dr. Kitur. The meeting is also reviewing implementation challenges experienced during the 2016–2020 period, including limited financing, data gaps, and inconsistent policy execution. Delegates stressed the importance of updated investment strategies that address food insecurity, enhance intra-regional trade, and improve value chains across member countries. IGAD is expected to release a set of expert recommendations that will guide the development of a new agriculture investment plan, aligned with the African Union’s CAADP framework and global sustainable development targets.