What's Happening?
H.E. Pacôme Kossy, the Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development of Gabon, recently met with FAO Director-General QU Dongyu in Rome. The meeting focused on strengthening the collaboration between Gabon and the FAO to modernize Gabon's
agricultural sector. Minister Kossy, who assumed office in January 2026, presented a strategic roadmap aimed at reducing food imports and enhancing national food sovereignty. This plan involves modernizing and mechanizing agriculture and establishing integrated value chains. The Minister requested technical assistance from the FAO to implement these reforms. Director-General QU Dongyu expressed the FAO's readiness to support Gabon in developing efficient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between Gabon and the FAO is significant as it aims to transform Gabon's agricultural sector, which is crucial for the country's food security and economic development. By reducing dependency on food imports, Gabon can enhance its food sovereignty and resilience against global market fluctuations. The modernization and mechanization of agriculture could lead to increased productivity and job creation, benefiting the rural population. The FAO's involvement ensures that Gabon has access to international expertise and resources, which can accelerate the implementation of these ambitious reforms.
What's Next?
The next steps involve the FAO providing technical support to Gabon to implement the proposed agricultural reforms. This collaboration will likely involve capacity-building initiatives, technology transfer, and the development of infrastructure to support modern agricultural practices. The success of these efforts will depend on the effective coordination between Gabonese authorities and the FAO, as well as the engagement of local stakeholders, including farmers and agribusinesses.
