Colm HayesDepartment of Agriculture, Food

and the Marine

Why establish the AADF?

Agriculture in Africa

• Africa has 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land

• Agricultural output will rise from $230bn today to $900bn by 2030

• Africa is net importer of food

Objective

• The Objective of the AADF is to develop partnerships between the Irish Agri-Food Sector and African countries to support sustainable growth of the local food industry, build markets for local produce and support mutual trade between Ireland and Africa.

Areas of Support

– Business development and Investment– Production systems– Training/Mentoring– Technology transfer– R & D– Project Management

Funding

• The AADF will commence with a two-year pilot phase (2012-2013).

• The Fund is intended to be catalytic in nature rather than a medium or long term financial instrument.

• €2m funding, to complement private sector co-funding

• AADF will not be used to support existing activities including those managed by NGOs

Why has the programme focused on Kenya and Tanzania?

• The Embassy of Ireland in Dar es Salaam covers both countries and has existing expertise in agriculture.

• Provides local knowledge and support for project development

• Well recognised agri-food and market potential• Not exclusive to these two Countries

Implementation of the AADF

Launch – 21 March

Assessment Mission - 22 April

Private Sector Seminar – 14 June

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