The Third General Assembly of the World Farmers Markets Coalition, held at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, opened with the presence of high-level delegations from several African countries. Among them were the Minister of Food and Agriculture of Ghana, H.E. Eric Opoku; the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Republic of the Congo, H.E. Paul Valentin Ngobo; and the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock of Senegal, H.E. Mabouba Diagne.
Their participation took place within the framework of the AREA Africa Programme, a key initiative aimed at strengthening agro-food ecosystems across the African continent.
A Global Gathering for Food Sovereignty
The Assembly, organized during the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of FAO, brought together farmers and market representatives from over 80 countries to discuss central issues for the future of global food systems. Topics included food sovereignty, biodiversity, and the development of local food chains as essential strategies to build resilience and sustainability.
During the opening ceremony, the ministers also took part in the high-level panel “Food for Peace”, underlining the strategic role of farmers markets in promoting stability, local development, and community well-being.
Italy–Africa Cooperation for Sustainable Food Systems
The participation of African ministers was supported through the AREA Africa Programme, part of the Mattei Plan for Africa. The programme is co-financed by Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale (MAECI) and implemented by CIHEAM Bari as the knowledge partner for the public component, together with BFI as the private partner.
CIHEAM Bari’s Director, Biagio Di Terlizzi, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to Mediterranean–African cooperation through inclusive and sustainable development models. “Farmers markets are powerful tools to connect producers and consumers, create opportunities for rural communities, and strengthen local food systems,” he stated.
Ghana will invest in Farmers Markets Network
A major outcome of the Assembly emerged shortly after the ministers’ visit to Italy. Speaking to national media, Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, H.E. Eric Opoku, announced that Ghana will transform its agrifood system through new funding made available by Italy.
Money will be allocated to develop a national farmers markets network in Ghana, an unprecedented investment that will boost local economies, create market access for small-scale producers, and enhance national food security.
A Collaborative Path Forward
This visit marked an important step in deepening cooperation between Italy and African partner countries. A collaborative pathway was set for future activities under the AREA Africa Programme, providing space for sharing and listening to the priorities and needs of Ghana, Congo, and Senegal.
The strong partnership between CIHEAM Bari, the World Farmers Markets Coalition, and Fondazione Campagna Amica through the Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative (MAMi), funded by MAECI, continues to drive this shared vision forward.
