- UNITAR and the Africa Pastoralist Empowerment Organization signed a memorandum of understanding on 11 February 2025, aimed at empowering women and youth in Africa's dryland regions and promoting climate resilience across the continent's vulnerable areas.
- The partnership will promote sustainable agriculture and food security, advance green agribusiness through innovation, foster community engagement and capacity-building, strengthen public-private partnerships, and leverage technology and innovation.
18 February 2025, Geneva, Switzerland - On 11 February 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Africa Pastoralist Empowerment Organization (APEO) based in Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable agriculture, food and nutrition security, and climate resilience across Africa's dryland regions. This collaboration aims to empower women and youth, strengthen agricultural value chains, and enhance environmental sustainability.
The signing ceremony, held virtually, marks a significant step towards fostering inclusive economic growth and resilience in African pastoralist communities. By leveraging UNITAR's expertise in training and research and the Africa Pastoralist Empowerment Organization's deep-rooted community engagement, the partnership seeks to create lasting solutions for climate-smart agriculture and green agribusiness.
This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering communities through education and capacity-building. By working with Africa Pastoralist Empowerment Organization, we can directly impact local agro-pastoral communities, equipping them with the skills and resources needed for sustainable development." - Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director of the Division for Prosperity, UNITAR.
Our partnership with UNITAR provides an opportunity to scale up initiatives that support rural communities in adapting to climate change while improving food security and economic resilience. It is a win-win partnership." - Dr. Bashir Jama, Director and Coordinator of the Food Security Program of Africa Pastoralist Empowerment Organization.
Key areas of collaboration under the MoU include:
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Capacity-building programmes focused on climate-smart farming and strengthening agricultural value chains.
- Green Agribusiness and Innovation: Promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices and fostering entrepreneurship among women and youth.
- Community Engagement and Capacity-Building: Conducting workshops and mentorship programmes to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening cooperation between governments, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.
- Technology and Innovation: Exploring new tools and solutions for sustainable agricultural development.
The MoU reaffirms UNITAR and Africa Pastoralist Empowerment Organization's commitment to addressing food insecurity, strengthening livelihoods, and promoting resilience in Africa's most vulnerable communities.
