AEFJN Urges African Development Bank to Prioritize Food Sovereignty: “Food is a Sacred Right, not a Commodity”
BRUSSELS – March 2026
Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) is calling on African Development Bank (AfDB) to align its agricultural investments with food sovereignty by prioritizing smallholder farmers, ecological sustainability, and resilient local food systems.
This appeal follows the release of a report, “Tracking the Role of African Development Bank in Reshaping African Agriculture,” which highlights concerns that current investment patterns may inadvertently favor industrial agribusiness models over community-led and ecologically sustainable approaches.
Supporting Farmers and Communities
The report reveals that many AfDB-supported programmes continue to promote hybrid seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and large-scale monocropping. While these interventions aim to boost productivity, they often increase farmers’ dependence on external inputs, undermine farmer-managed seed systems, and expose smallholder farmers to financial and ecological risks.
“Food systems thrive when farmers are empowered to manage their own seeds and maintain crop diversity,” noted the AEFJN Secretariat. “Supporting locally rooted practices enables communities to sustainably meet their food needs and adapt to climate change.”
Transparency and Accountability Are Essential
AEFJN also raises concerns about the limited transparency in the use of public development funds. A significant share of these funds is channelled through financial intermediaries such as private equity firms and commercial banks, making it difficult for communities and civil society actors to track investments and assess compliance with social and environmental safeguards.
Policy Recommendation
AEFJN calls for full disclosure of all sub-projects and the strengthening of accountability mechanisms to ensure that investments genuinely benefit local communities, protect ecosystems, and build public trust in development finance.
Investing in Agroecology and Territorial Markets
Guided by the principles of Laudato Si’ and the Preferential Option for the Poor, AEFJN advocates for a strategic shift toward agroecology. This approach:
1. Restores soil health and preserves biodiversity
2. Enhances resilience to climate change
3. Empowers smallholder farmers through locally adapted knowledge and practices
In addition, AEFJN urges increased investment in territorial markets, local storage systems, and regional trade networks to ensure that economic value remains within African communities and that food reaches those most in need.
“Food is not merely a commodity, it is a sacred right and a foundation of justice,” AEFJN emphasized. “Investing in farmers, ecological stewardship, and local markets is an investment in Africa’s future and the health of our planet.”
About AEFJN
AEFJN is a network of faith-based organisations committed to promoting just and sustainable economic relations between Europe and Africa. Rooted in Gospel values and the integrity of creation, AEFJN advocates for policies that uphold human dignity, support smallholder farmers, and advance ecological sustainability.
Media Contact:
Elvis Ng’andwe (M.Afr)
Executive Secretary
Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network (AEFJN) – Reseaux Foi et Justice Afrique-Europe,
execsecretary@aefjn.org
