The 22nd edition of the SIPSA-FILAHA Agricultural Show unfolded in Algeria on May 20, 2024, with a notable gathering of Algerian authorities, international delegates, and diplomatic representatives. Amidst showcasing traditional agricultural sectors like livestock, arboriculture, and mechanization, organizers placed emphasis on emerging areas such as veterinary medicines, innovative technologies, and ICTs applied to agriculture, aiming to catalyze knowledge exchange and technological adoption among farmers.
A significant highlight of the event was the inauguration of the "Pan-African Food Debate," held on the second day, which spotlighted pressing food issues across the continent and sought to stimulate cooperation among African nations, particularly through South-South collaborations. Subsequently, this discourse extended to Dakar in October 2024, where it evolved into the Pan-African Conference on the Food Issue, providing a platform for comprehensive discussions aimed at addressing food sovereignty challenges on a continental scale. Despite Africa's substantial agricultural potential, the region grapples with food insecurity, attributed largely to deficiencies in trade organization and infrastructure. While initiatives such as the AfCFTA Agreement hold promise for bolstering intra-African trade, implementation hurdles persist, notably in the realm of transportation infrastructure. The conference underscored the imperative for concerted efforts to enhance both physical infrastructure and border facilitation for smoother trade flows. Moreover, the collaborative approach championed by the conference, involving diverse stakeholders from civil society, academia, and the private sector, underlined a departure from traditional top-down approaches, fostering a more inclusive and holistic dialogue. This collaborative spirit culminated in the adoption of the "Algeria Declaration," a charter outlining key challenges and aspirations for advancing food sovereignty across Africa, marking a significant step towards collective action and sustainable agricultural development on the continent.
