IGAD Review Warns East Africa’s Food Security Goals Are Slipping Amid Climate and Conflict Shocks
A recent review by IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) has raised red flags about East Africa’s weakening progress on food security and regional trade integration. The report identifies a “perfect storm” of risks: extreme weather, declining crop yields, and conflicts are pushing regional food systems to the brink.
According to the analysis, erratic rainfall has led to a sharp drop in cereal production in Ethiopia and other states, while war-related instability in South Sudan has disrupted agricultural livelihoods for large swaths of the population. IGAD warns that without urgent policy interventions, regional trade goals will falter and food crises may intensify, undermining development and stability.
The report also highlights mixed performance in governance: while Rwanda has made strong gains through coordinated agricultural reviews and transparency, other nations lag behind on institutional reforms.
Why It Matters:
Food insecurity is not just a national issue — it’s a regional threat that could destabilize several East African states.
Falling agricultural output and disrupted trade risk reversing gains in poverty reduction.
Climate change and conflict are reinforcing each other, making long-term resilience more difficult.
What to Watch For:
Whether IGAD member states adopt coordinated food security policies or regional funding mechanisms.
New climate-resilient agricultural investments and partnerships.
The role of development partners (World Bank, AfDB) in supporting IGAD’s food system reforms.
