FAO: Challenges in Agriculture in Angola
Gherda Barreto, FAO representative in Angola, highlights the challenges and recommendations for the agricultural sector in Angola, highlighting the importance of a balance between investments in infrastructure and human capital. Gherda Barreto, at the end of her term, was received by the Angolan Minister of Agriculture and Forests, António de Assis, for an analysis of FAO's actions over the last five years in Angola.
The FAO Balance Sheet
The representative of the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Angola, Gherda Barreto, recommended that the Angolan Government carry out a balance between investments in infrastructure and human capital.
During a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, António de Assis, Barreto made an assessment of FAO's actions over the last five years and highlighted the importance of directing resources to the development of the agricultural sector.
One of the points addressed by Gherda Barreto was the need to invest in large-scale infrastructure, such as roads and storage, in order to improve logistics and increase efficiency in agricultural production.
However, she highlighted the importance of balancing these investments with the development of human capital, through preparation programs and access to credit for micro and small businesses. Another challenge highlighted by the FAO representative in Angola was the valorization of rural women who represent 60% of the workforce in the agricultural sector.
Barreto recommended that programs be specifically targeted to meet the needs of rural women, with concrete targets for financing and access to land. Furthermore, Gherda Barreto highlighted the importance of valuing agricultural products and guaranteeing fair prices for farmers.
He also emphasized the need to balance product prices with market prices, in order to support farmers in replacing their productive factors.
Price Balance
Another challenge mentioned by the FAO representative was Angola's dependence on the import of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and seeds. She highlighted the importance of investing in seed production and strengthening the country's laboratory network to increase agricultural productivity. Gherda Barreto believes that Angola has the human and natural resources to eradicate hunger in the country.
She highlighted that family farming is fundamental to feeding the Angolan population and the whole of Africa. The FAO representative praised the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry over the last five years to position agriculture as the center of the country's economic diversification. During the meeting, Gherda Barreto also mentioned the field schools program that has been strengthened by the Angolan government.
These schools aim to prepare farmers and promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences among rural producers. The FAO representative praised the growth of the program in the last five years, which went from three provinces to implementation throughout the country.
The FAO representative in Angola also recommended that the government create a balance between investments in infrastructure and human capital, aiming for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.
She also highlighted the importance of valuing rural women, guaranteeing fair prices for farmers and investing in the production of agricultural inputs. With available human and natural resources, Angola has the potential to eradicate hunger and become self-sufficient in food production.
Conclusion
Family farming and investment in rural women are seen as fundamental to food security in Angola. It is urgent to promote policies that value agricultural products, strengthen the country's sovereignty in terms of agricultural investments and encourage sustainable production.
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Picture: © 2015 DR
