November 5, 2025 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened the Second Meeting of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) of the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The meeting, held back-to-back with the Regional Validation Meeting for the IGAD Irrigation Development and Agricultural Water Management Strategy (2024–2035), brought together Steering Committee Members, FSRP Focal Points, and Project Coordinators from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, alongside IGAD experts and development partners.
Strengthening Coordination for Resilient Food Systems
Opening the meeting on behalf of the IGAD Executive Secretary, Mr Abebaw Bihonegn, IGAD Head of Mission to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, on behalf of IGAD Executive Secretary H.E. Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of continuous coordination and dialogue among the FSRP actors.
“For effective implementation of the IGAD FSRP, there is a need to hold regular meetings of the Regional Steering Committee to review progress, discuss challenges and lessons learnt, and provide technical guidance to the Secretariat,” he said.
He noted that this second meeting provides an opportunity to deliberate on the 2026 Work Plan, the upcoming mid-term review of the Programme, and the approval of the Agricultural Trade and Market Policies Assessment Report, which was validated in July 2025.
Reviewing Progress and Setting Priorities for 2026
Participants reviewed the progress made since the first RSC meeting held in May 2025 and discussed strategic priorities to guide the Programme’s implementation in the coming year. The deliberations focused on enhancing coordination between regional and national FSRP components, aligning policy frameworks, and strengthening preparedness for food insecurity shocks across the IGAD region.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr Senait Regassa, IGAD FSRP Coordinator, reiterated the Programme’s commitment to advancing resilient food systems for addressing food security challenges.
“The FSRP continues to be a critical platform for harmonising national and regional actions that contribute to food security and resilience in the face of climate change,” she said.
Acknowledgements and Partnerships
Mr Bihonegn extended appreciation to the Government and people of Ethiopia for hosting the meeting, and to the World Bank for its continued support to the FSRP. He also commended the FSRP Focal Points in IGAD Member States for their dedication in driving the implementation of the regional component of the Programme.
About the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP)
The FSRP is a seven-year regional initiative funded by the World Bank to enhance resilience to food system shocks through investments in agricultural water management, climate-smart agriculture, and market integration. The Programme aims to strengthen preparedness for food insecurity and ensure sustainable livelihoods across the IGAD region.
