Proclamation from the Consultation on Growing the Harvest Rethinking Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security in Sub-‐Saharan Africa -‐ Limuru, Kenya September 18th -‐ 20th 2012 What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God? (Micah 6:8) We, participants from 18 countries across Africa representing churches, ecumenical organizations, farmers and young agronomists, convened by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, in partnership with the United Church of Canada, the United Nations Millennium Campaign and the United Nations Development Programme, gathered in Limuru, Kenya, to share our experiences and strategize on how to address the critical issues of agriculture, food and nutrition security facing Sub-‐Saharan Africa: We deliberated on the persistent struggles of people living with food insecurity and malnutrition across Africa, and explored our role in addressing these issues. We recognize that millions of impoverished people around the world suffer from chronic hunger, many of them in Africa. Together, we profess our prophetic role and responsibility to do all we can-‐ to ensure that no one on our continent remains captive to the bondage of hunger and malnutrition. . We are concerned that, unless we take action now, current food insecurity will continue to affect future generations and hold back Africa's development. It is vital that we use local resources sustainably and effectively. We shall do justice so that all might have abundant life (John 10:10). Our hope and our conviction remains unshakeable: Food security and proper nutrition in Africa are achievable. Litany -‐ Is This Not Serious? About 870 million of the world's people suffer from chronic hunger out of whom 234 million are in Africa. Is this not serious? Women are more likely to suffer from malnutrition compared to men. A malnourished woman is likely to give birth to a malnourished child. Is this not serious? Malnutrition, especially among children under the age of two years causes irreversible developmental challenges.
Organization of African Instituted Churches
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Is this not serious? In sub-‐Saharan Africa, women perform 60-‐80 percent of the agricultural labor-‐ but they own just 2 percent of the land and receive only about 5 percent of farming information and services. Is this not serious? The world's poorest people are farmers. Is this not serious? We are approaching the 2015 deadline of achieving the Millennium Development Goals, yet the number of hungry people in the world remains unacceptably high. Is this not serious? That is why we say: To the youth: “The time is now to return to the land! There is much to do and much to gain.” To the churches: “Achieving food security must become part of the churches' agenda.” To the elders: “We appreciate that you are the farmers who feed us. Continue to be role models, and mentor the youths who are both our present and future.” To the women of Africa: “We recognise your sacrifices in nourishing our families and that your healthy nourishment guarantees a healthy and productive generation. To donors, development and government Communities: fulfil your respective commitments regarding food security and nutrition.
We will not bequeath hunger and poverty to future generations!
We therefore commit ourselves to engaging constructively together, with key stakeholders such as small-‐holder farmers, and with policy-‐makers to: • • • • • • •
actively participate in shaping the food and nutrition policies of our countries increase resilience in our societies to address and cope with shocks, such as price hikes and climate change; develop social protection programs to mitigate against the effects of food insecurity; advocate for meaningful participation of women, youth, and rural and urban poor in decision-‐making across institutions; promote and advocate for just and equitable trade and marketing policies that benefit small-‐holder farmers, both locally and globally; advocate for increased budget allocations to agricultural research and appropriate technologies that are ecologically sustainable to achieve food security; ensure that food and nutrition security remain central to the post-‐2015 development agenda that will succeed the MDGs.
As leaders, it is our prophetic calling in times as this to seek justice for the marginalized, to break the yoke that binds the oppressed, and to work for sustainable development in order to secure a dignified life for all. Give us, oh God, we beseech you the wisdom and strength to defeat hunger and transform our societies. Amen.
Organization of African Instituted Churches
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA