DOHA, Qatar: In a noteworthy development, Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), took center stage at the 6th session of the General Assembly of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), a specialized OIC body, in Doha on October 3, 2023.
The session was conducted under the esteemed chairmanship of the State of Qatar.
Secretary-General Taha’s address, conveyed by Dr. Ahmed Kawesa Sengendo, the Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs, centered on a crucial objective – uplifting small-scale farmers in OIC countries. These farmers, constituting a significant 76 percent of the total agricultural workforce in OIC nations, often employ traditional labor-intensive methods, resulting in relatively low agricultural productivity.
Recognizing the paramount importance of addressing food security challenges, Secretary-General Taha called for a collaborative effort to bolster local food production, cater to regional and local food demands, stimulate market development, and minimize food wastage. These efforts not only contribute to food security but also empower local economies.
Secretary-General Taha underlined that the challenges presented by food insecurity necessitate concrete actions and effective programs at multiple levels – national, regional, and international. The IOFS, as the entrusted body for implementing OIC projects related to agriculture, rural development, and food security, was encouraged to intensify its focus on tangible agricultural initiatives that promote sectoral growth.
Moreover, he emphasized the imperative of fostering cooperation and synergy among OIC member states. This collaboration should encompass capacity-building initiatives, cooperative research programs, and efficient resource management practices to boost agricultural productivity across the Islamic world.
In a forward-looking perspective, Secretary-General Taha emphasized the need to encourage technological innovation within the agricultural sector and implement policies designed to facilitate capacity development and investment. This holistic approach not only enhances food security but also contributes to the sustainable growth and prosperity of OIC member nations.
Overall, Secretary-General Taha’s positive message reflects a commitment to realizing the immense potential of agriculture in OIC countries, harnessing it as a catalyst for economic development, food security, and shared prosperity.
