The government of Seychelles has tentatively set August 2013 as the date for its CAADP Business Meeting. Since signing the CAADP compact in September 2011, Seychelles has made considerable progress in CAADP implementation. According to the Minister for Natural Resources and Industry, Peter Sinon, accomplishments include the initial drafting of the Seychelles Food Security Policy and preliminary work on the Agricultural Development Strategy document and the National Agriculture and Food Security Investment Plan (NAIP). Currently, the government is drafting the Medium Term National Development Strategy for 2013-2017, which will include CAADP priorities and programs.

Out of the 19 member states of COMESA, 6 countries have held their CAADP business meetings, including Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Malawi (see the latest update from theCAADP website). Prior to the meeting in August, the NAIP of Seychelles is expected to be finalized and reviewed so it will be ready for implementation after the meeting.

Although tourism is the largest contributor to the Seychelles’ economy, agriculture remains important for local markets and to ensure food security. Agriculture GDP growth in Seychelles has been relatively high in recent years at 6 percent in 2007 and 2008 and 5 percent in 2009. The percentage of the national budget allocated to agriculture has been consistently low at less than 1 percent since 2004.

For more information, visit the COMESA website or the ReSAKSS website