Addressing the critical need for strengthened social protection systems across Africa, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and RUFORUM successfully organised a high-level regional policy dialogue in Kampala, Uganda.

The event, which brought together government officials, development partners, and social protection experts, took stock of the current state of social protection coverage in rural areas, which remains alarmingly low at just 17.5 percent of the population.

Yet, in Africa, the vast majority of the rural population remains excluded from these vital social safety nets. Social protection is a right. Social protection is a cornerstone of development and a crucial tool for reducing poverty, improving food security, and protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, said Antonio Querido, FAO Representative for Uganda.

Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that recognizes the linkages between agri-food systems, nutrition, climate change, and inclusive economic development. This strategic dialogue aims to explore innovative and evidence-based approaches within social protection systems that can effectively address the complex challenges facing rural populations in Africa.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Uganda is committed to promoting the social protection agenda and creating an inclusive agrifood system. We are collaborating with partners to ensure that every Ugandan has access to it, said Hon. Rwamirama Bright Kanyontore, Minister of State for Animal Industry.

While appreciating the support of FAO and partners bring forth in expanding social protection to rural populations and agri-food workers in Uganda and across Africa, Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development for the Government of Uganda, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to developing and implementing inclusive social protection policies through expanding social protection programs. We empower farmers to boost productivity, increase incomes, and improve their quality of life.

The dialogue provided a platform to review the gaps in existing social protection systems and propose strategic actions to support African countries in scaling up coverage, particularly in rural areas. Key recommendations included strengthening policy coherence and programming linkages between social protection, agriculture, and climate resilience; investing in robust social protection systems to enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities; adopting adaptive social protection approaches to address the impacts of climate change; leveraging community-based approaches and digital technologies to improve the reach and delivery of social protection programs; and securing adequate financing to ensure the long-term sustainability and expansion of social protection initiatives.

The regional policy dialogue concluded with a renewed call for collective action to strengthen social protection systems and ensure that no one is left behind in Africa’s pursuit of sustainable development.