On November 27, 2013 the African Development Institute (EADI) of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) and the Ministry of Agriculture, concluded a three-day regional workshop on food security in Sudan, which ran from November 25-27. The objective of the workshop was to discuss, debate and share experiences on challenges and opportunities for enhancement of food security in the region.

The workshop, which was attended by over 40 participants from Egypt and Sudan, emphasized the importance of supporting the agricultural sector in both countries especially through research that brings improved agricultural technologies, such as high-yielding crop varieties and animal breeds. The participants alluded to the Sudanese President's initiative to attain food security in Africa and the Arab World through enhanced regional economic integration that is critical in the search for common solutions.

The workshop was officially opened by the African Development Bank Resident Representative in Sudan, Abdul Kamara, who underscored that the workshop will provide a golden opportunity to participants of both countries to seriously deliberate issues of food security, within the framework of regional economic integration. He emphasized that the special circumstances of the two countries make it imperative for the Bank to continue its engagement in the search for solutions. He reiterated the Bank's efforts to find solutions to Egypt's social-economic challenges as well as existing efforts in Sudan to consolidate peace and economic stability. He noted that the workshop complements the program and project activities, as it serves to enhance the effectiveness of development operations in both countries.

Addressing the workshop, Abdelatif Ijaimi, the Representative of CFC, mentioned that CFC is committed to food security by ensuring availability of commodities especially wheat and maize.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Sudan, Jaffar Ahmed Abdalla, the State Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, thanked the Bank for its capacity-building activities in Sudan. He noted the timeliness and importance of the work, given that food security is a serious issue that affects many people in both Egypt and Sudan. The Minister reiterated that joint effort from countries in the region is required to guarantee food security. He assured the participants that the recommendations of the workshop will be supported by the Government in order to achieve food security and poverty reduction.

The three-day workshop particularly focused on the following themes: (i) Food Security and Nutrition - Policies and Planning Aspects, (ii) Inter-Country Food Security Opportunities and Challenges, and (iii) Food Security Enabling Environment at National and Regional Levels - Opportunities and Challenges.

At the closing ceremony, both the Resident Representative and Government officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the recommendations of the workshop are implemented in both countries.