Côte d'Ivoire strengthens cooperation with FAO for food sovereignty

Ivorian Deputy Minister in charge of Food Production, Bernard Kini Comoé, met with FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu in Rome on Thursday to discuss ways to accelerate food production and strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's food sovereignty, according to RTI Info. The discussions focused on the professionalization of the rice, cassava, maize, plantain, fruit, and vegetable value chains, as well as adapting agriculture to climate change. Combating cassava mosaic disease and root rot, which affect yields in certain production areas, is among the identified priorities, alongside youth employment in agricultural value chains through water management, mechanization, and improved market access for producers. Prior to this audience, the Ivorian delegation met with Yurdi Yasmi, Director of the FAO Plant Production and Protection Division, to discuss the development of niche value chains such as sorghum, fonio, yam, and potato. Following the meetings, FAO management assured Côte d'Ivoire of its readiness to continue technical support, with the Abidjan office mobilized to help find solutions. This strengthened cooperation is expected to translate into new concrete actions for Ivorian rice, cassava, and maize producers, as well as for youth integration into food sectors.