Items filtered by date: Monday, 23 May 2022
Monday, 23 May 2022 14:16
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (FANR) STANDING COMMITTEE HELD ON TUESDAY, 12THOCTOBER, 2021
PRESENT
Hon. Lekhetho Mosito, MP (Vice Chairperson) Lesotho
Hon. Helena Bonguela Abel, MP Angola
Hon. Tshitereke Baldwin Matibe, MP South Africa
Hon. Polson Majaga, MP Botswana
Hon. Tambudzani Mohadi, MP Zimbabwe
Hon. Carlos Manuel, MP Mozambique
Hon. Marie Genevieve Stephanie Anquetil, MP Mauritius
Hon Hawa Subira Mwaifunga, MP Tanzania
Hon Rocky Uranie, MP Seychelles
APOLOGIES
Apologies from the Parliaments of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, Madagascar, Namibia, were duly noted.
IN ATTENDANCE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM SECRETARIAT
Ms Boemo Mmandu Sekgoma Secretary General
Ms Clare Musonda Director, Corporate Governance
Mr Sheuneni Kurasha Programme Manager, Democracy,
Governance and Human Rights
Ms Sharon Nyirongo Committee Secretary
Ms Betty Zulu Committee Secretary
Ms Edna Kanguya Committee Secretary
Ms Agness Lilungwe Personal Assistant to the Secretary General
Mr Ronald Windwaai ICT
Mr Wilfried Kongolo ICT
Mr Modise Kabeli Media Officer
Ms Paulina Kanguatjivi Programmes Coordinator
Resource Persons
Ms Beauty Shamboko Mbale Fresh Water Manager, World Wide Fund for
Nature, Zambia
Dr Patrice Kabeya Senior Programme Officer, Water Division,
Directorate of Infrastructure, Southern
African Development Community (SADC)
Secretariat
Mr Duncan Samikwa Senior Programme Officer, Directorate of
Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources,
SADC Secretariat
Mr Kidanemariam Jembere Senior Technical Advisor, Water, Climate,
Development and Gender, Global Water
Partnership – Southern Africa
Mr Andrew Takawira Senior Technical Advisor, Africa
Coordination Unit, Global Water
Partnership – Southern Africa
AGENDA
-
Credentials of Delegates and Apologies. -
Adoption of the Agenda. -
Welcomeremarks. -
Consideration of the Minutes of the FANR Standing Committee held on Monday, 12th April, 2021. -
Consideration of Matters Arising from the Minutes of the FANR Standing Committee meeting held on Monday, 12th April, 2021. -
Presentation and discussion of the theme: “Water Resource Management in the SADC Region: What is the Role of Parliaments.” -
Any Other Business.
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 hrs.
1. CREDENTIALS OF DELEGATES AND APOLOGIES
The credentials of the Committee were presented and the quorum was confirmed for the meeting to proceed.
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
On a proposal by South Africa and seconded by Malawi, the Agenda was adopted as presented.
3. WELCOMING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON
In the absence of the Chairperson, Hon Lekheto Mosito presided over the meeting in his capacity as Vice Chairperson. Hon Mosito welcomed all Hon Members to the meeting. He further extended a special welcome to the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Ms Boemo Sekgoma. He informed Members that the Committee was meeting to deliberate on the theme‘Water Resource Management in the SADC Region: What is the Role of Parliaments?’
In his welcome remarks, Hon Mosito informed Hon Members that water played a significant role in most economic sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, among others. He further stated that the allocation, development and protection of water was an essential prerequisite for economic growth and poverty reduction. However, water scarcity largely contributed to the ineffective operations of these sectors. It was estimated that more than 75 per cent of the African population used groundwater as its main source of drinking water. This was true for Southern African countries such as Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The Vice Chairperson noted that climate change was threatening the water security of the region. He pointed out that according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, climate change was likely to increase risks of natural hazards and hydrological events. He stated that if not addressed and given that 95 per cent of agriculture in SADC was rain fed, the region may became food insecure. He urged Hon Members to ensure that respective Member States heightened measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Lastly, Hon Mosito reminded Hon Members that attainment of some of the SADC regional commitments and global development goals were dependent on a watersecure region. He called on the Hon Members to utilise their oversight function and ensure that the goals and objectives entrenched in policies, strategies and laws on water were implemented and domesticated in respective member states.
4. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FANR HELD ON MONDAY, 12THAPRIL, 2021
On a proposal by South Africa and seconded by Mauritius, the minutes of the previous meeting were adopted without amendments.
The presentations including the plenary discussions, conclusions and recommendations were made as set out below.
5. Presentation on Water Resources Management in the SADC Region: The Role of Parliaments
The presentation was delivered by Mr Beauty Mbale, Fresh Water Manager WWF-Zambia
Ms Mbale began by outlining the findings of the situational analysis of water in the SADC region. She stated that the region was expansive with unevenly distributed water resources compared to the population and settlement patterns. The meeting was informed that groundwater supplies were estimated at about 27 percent and 35 per cent of the water needs of urban and rural communities, respectively, in the region. Ms Mbale noted that the region’s water security was at risk due to competing economic activities, population growth and the adverse effects of a changing climate. Globally, the water sector was among the most affected by climate change, and the SADC region had not been spared from this problem due to its low institutional capacity to adapt to climate change.
Ms Mbale affirmed that the SADC region considered water resource management as a pivotal instrument for promoting peace in the Southern African region through transboundary and regional cooperation. She informed the meeting that in order to foster cooperation on transboundary basins in the region, there was need to harmonise legislation, policies and strategies on water. She highlighted some of the important regional documents that impacted water resource management as outlined below.
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SADC Revised protocol on shared watercourses (2000). -
Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). -
Regional Water Strategy (2006). -
SADC Regional Water Policy (adopted in 2005).
Hon Members were informed that the transboundary nature of many of the region’s basins and aquifers presented a challenge to effectively manage water resources. This was further exacerbated by failure to link developmental activities of Member States, for instance, development on the upstream side of one country could negatively impact the downstream flow of another Member State. Ms Mbale further informed the meeting that the amount of groundwater in the region was not fully known. In that regard, she urged Hon Members through the necessary SADC water governance structures to conduct research in that field. She added that there was a strain on the region’s water due to pressure from increased abstraction as a result of population increase. Industrialisation as well as the effects of climate change also contributed to the pressure. Ms Mbale emphasised the importance of ensuring that there was a balance between competing pressures for different usesto ensure a water secure region.
Ms Mbale summed up her presentation by stating that it was imperative for Member States to adopt an integrated and basin wide approach to development. In that light, she informed Hon Members that WWF was supporting a project in the Kwando region that involved four SADC countries, namely; Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. She informed the meeting that WWF supported the Kwando Joint Action Group by providing a platform for dialogue on how best to manage the Kwando River. As part of its continued efforts to promote cooperation among Member States, WWF planned to offer support towards formulation of a Strategic Environmental Assessment to harmonise developmental activities of the affected countries.
6. Presentation on SADC Programmes on Water and Natural Resources Management
The presentation was delivered by Dr Patrice Kabeya, Senior Programme Officer and Mr Duncan Samikwa both from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Water Division.
The meeting was informed that the SADC Water Vision was based on equitable and sustainable utilisation of water for social and environmental justice, regional integration and economic benefit for present and future generations. In line with the Regional Strategic Action Plan (RSAP), which had a five year cycle, the SADC region envisioned to have a water secure region which was resilient, peaceful and prosperous.
Hon Members were further informed that the SADC region was committed to deliver on its aspirations through various water projects and programmes. He stated that a Framework had been formulated which resonated with the RSAP and embedded the regional goals of economic growth and development, peace and security, equity and social inclusion, regional integration and sustainable development with specific thematic areas on energy security, safety security from water related disasters, health and food, water supply and sanitation services. The Framework was guided by three pillars, namely, Water Governance and Integration Pillar; Water Infrastructure Development Pillar; and Water ResourcesManagement Pillar.
Hon Members were informed that the SADC Regional Agriculture Policy (RAP) of 2014, the Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP) and the Food and Nutrition Strategy had an impact on the region’s water resources. Further, RAIP objective one stated that ‘Access to factors of production, water and resource agriculture and energy for and from agriculture’ had a huge bearing on the water and energy sectors. Whereas priority number two of the RAIP promoted collective action among countries in addressing water issues of transboundary nature.
Dr Kabeya informed Hon Members that the regulatory and policy framework of the SADC water sector was governed by the RegionalProtocol on Shared Watercourses (2000), Regional Water Policy (2005) and Regional Water Strategy (2006).He informed the meeting The SADCSecretariat in partnership with cooperating partners had implemented anumber of programmes and projects as outlined below.
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Two cross-border water projects, namely, Lomahasha-Namaacha Water Supply and Sanitation Project between Eswatini and Mozambique and Kazungula Water Project in Zambia supported by the SADC Regional Water Fund. -
The Climate Resilient Projects (through United Kingdom support in collaboration with the USAID and other partners. -
Establishment and Strengthening of River Basin Organisations (RBOs), managing the joint programmes of various basins -
Groundwater Development – for improved and sustainable livelihoods supported by the SADC GMI and World Bank supported) -
Water, Energy and Food Security (WEF) nexus project (supported by the European Union). -
Cross-Border WASH Projects (as a COVID-19 related response), the SADC Secretariat received funding from the Germany Government, so far pilot projects were being implemented between the borders of the Republic of South Africa and Zimbabwe. If successful, other the project to be replicated in other SADC borders. -
The Water Transfer Project called the Songwe River Multi-purpose Infrastructure Development Project between Lesotho and Botswana and the Lesotho-Highlands Project. -
Capacity building Development and research programmes: Waternet Programme: Running a flagship Masters Programme on IWRM, offered mainly at the Universities of Zimbabwe and Tanzania Dar-es- Salaam and the Southern African NEPAD Water Centre of Excellence Programme.
Mr Samikwa informed the meeting that the RAIP had seven programmes, the second programme focused on agriculture infrastructure development whose objective was to enhance access to agriculture infrastructure including water, energy, land, roads, storage and other relevant infrastructure. It was hoped that this would result in effective and efficient production systems for improved productivity.
The meeting was briefed on the water infrastructure developments in the region. The meeting was informed that the feasibility study for the Chirundu Cross- Border Water Supply and Sanitation Project between Zambia and Zimbabwe had been completed under the auspices of the German and United Kingdom Governments. The meeting was further informed that the detailed designs for the Lomahasha and Namaacha water project had been completed and the tender was issued in March, 2021 for construction. With regard the Kazungula Water Project, feasibility studies were completed and detailed designs were earmarked for completion in July 2021, supported from the Germany Government through the SADC Water Fund. Mr Samikwa stated that the beneficiary Statesfor the Kazungula Water Project included Eswatini, Mozambique and Zambia.
In terms of the industrialisation and nexus approach, the meeting was informed that through support from the European Union, the SADC Secretariat was implementing the WEF nexus project. In that regard, a Regional WEF Framework had been developed and was approved by the SADC Water Ministers responsible for water in October, 2020. Hon Members were further informed that following adoption of the Framework, a regional tool had been developed to guide implementation of the WEF, among other uses, the tool would be used for screening for joint WEF investment programmes in the region. The meeting was further informed that the SADC Secretariat had received support and funding from the European Union for the second phase of the project.
With regard programmes on water resource management for sustainable development, Dr Kabeya informed Hon Members that a SADC Groundwater Management Institute, Centre of Excellence based in South Africa was established to spearhead the programme. He added that livelihood demonstration projects under the progamme were completed except for those in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. The first phase of the project was supported by the World Bank and based on its success, the second phase would be would also be supported by the Bank. To that effect, Hon Members were informed that the SADC Secretariat had commenced negotiations on the finalisation and subsequent signing of the grant agreement for phase II of the Project.
Hon Members were further informed that various cooperating partners were providing assistance to the SADC Secretariat in order to support River Basin Organisations (RBO). The results of such partnerships were evidenced by the creation of the newly established Cuvelai Watercourse Commission between Angola and Namibia, the INCO-MAPUTO RBO for Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa which was in the process of being established, with an interim Secretariat already in place.With regard, the Buzi-Pungwe-Save Tri-basin RBO between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, both countries had committed to establish the RBO and negotiations were ongoing on the specific basin agreements.
In terms of enhancing stakeholder engagementsin the water sector, Hon Members were informed that there were several gender capacity building activities being implemented with a specific thematic focus on gender, gender for budgeting, gender mainstreaming, gender in infrastructure development. Others included the Gender Focal Point training workshops, including the establishment ofa Regional Youth Forum borne out of stakeholder engagements. The SADC Secretariat was in the process of sourcing for funds to operationalise the Regional Youth Forum.
7. Presentation on the SADC Programme on Water and Natural Resources Management
The final presentation was made by Mr Andrew Takawira and Mr Kidanemariam from the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa.
The presentation highlighted some of the key challenges of managing water
resources as outlined below.
(a) Uneven distribution of water resources in the region
The region’s water resources potential was estimated at 2 300 km3/year of the renewable freshwater resources. However, the distribution of the resources in the region was uneven with annual average rainfall ranging from 300 mm per year in Namibia to 1530 mm per year in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
(b)Climate change impacts on water resources
A number of climate change impacts as evidenced by floods in some parts of the region for instance the 2019 cyclone Idai was cited as having destroyed and damaged about US$$1 billion of infrastructure, 100,000 homes, and 1 million acres of crops. Further, drought affected water sources by draying up rivers, depleting groundwater, causing changes in the rainfall distribution, degraded wetlands which were critical ecosystems for supporting various services.
(c) Coping with increasing demands for water compared to supply
Increasing population, urbanisation and economic activities made it difficult to sustain key services having an impact on the demand for water compared to the supply.
(d) The issue of low investments to meet the demand for water was a major concern for the region.
Mr Takawira briefed Hon Members on some of the capacity building programmes it undertook with other institutions to ameliorate some of the challenges that the region faced. Hon Members were informed that the SADC Ground Water Management Institute (SADC-GMI), was a subsidiary institute of SADC Secretariat and all the sixteen SADC countries belonged to SADC-GMI. The meeting was further informed that GWP collaborated with WaterNet also a SADC subsidiary institute that was hosted by the University of Zimbabwe to promote capacity building programmes in the water sector. WaterNet had a membership of seventy eight mainly from universities and academic institutions that focused on water resource management in the region and offered masters and doctorates programmes including short professional courses in integrated water resource management. The Institute also contributed to the SADC research agenda by supporting research activities. Notably, the Institute conducted outreach programmes in the form of symposia on an annual basis, where young scientists had a platform to showcase their work.
Mr Kidanemariam informed the Hon Members about other progammes that GWP and SADC Secretariat collaborated in line with RSAP. He cited the SADC Transboundary Water Programme, SADC Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Programme, SADC Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA+) and the Africa Continental Water Investment Program (AIP) as part the programmes being implemented jointly between GWP and SADC. He explained that under the AIP programme, there were sub programmes such as Gender Transformative, Weather Climate Development Programme and the Programme Infrastructure Development in Africa programmes. There were also country level water partnerships, providing multi stakeholder platforms on water issues.
Mr Kidanemariam noted that the gender dimension was very important towards efforts to build climate resilience because of the different vulnerabilities that people experienced. He stated that vulnerabilities manifested in terms of failure by people to access natural resources such as land and water, coupled with lack of access to information and technology. He added that certain policies and social norms also created inequalities between different members of society. In that regard, the Gender Equality in Water Security and Climate Resilience Building programme was a huge milestone towards ensuring climate water security resilience for all. Still on climate change, Mr Kidanemariam informed the meeting that GWP through the African Union Africa Water Investment Programme, offered capacity building support to Member States to develop bankable project proposals to access finance from the Green Climate Fund.
Hon Members were informed that the continent’s water investments ought to be US$64 billion per year in order to achieve some of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Lamentably, water investments stood at between US$10 billion to US$19 billion per year. Mr Kidanemariam informed the Committee that efforts were underway through the Africa Water Investment Programme under the African Union to mobilise about US$30 billion by the year 2030.
STATEMENT OF PLEA BY HON CARLOS MANUEL, MP, ON BEHALF OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE ON ITS INTENTION TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL OF THE UNITED NATIONS (UN)
Hon Manuel stated that the theme considered by the FANR Committee was very important taking into consideration that the water sector was among the most affected by the adverse effects of climate change. He further explained that Hon Members as representatives of the people in the SADC region had a duty to contribute towards efforts to make the region water secure. He informed Hon Members that he was a bearer of a message from the Republic of Mozambique concerning his country’s intention to present its candidature as a permanent member of the Security Council of the UN at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly to be held in June, 2022. He further informed Hon Members that Mozambique’s intention had already been endorsed by the African Union, SADC, Portuguese speaking countries as well as the Caribbean community. He stated that Mozambique was optimistic that it would secure a place on the UN Security Council given its contribution towards the liberation movement of the Southern African countries. He added that Mozambique was one of the founding members of the frontline countries in the successful implementation of peace building operations of the UN between the years 1992 and 1994. He ended by making a clarion call to SADC Member States to support Mozambique’s candidature.
Statement by the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum
The Secretary General extended gratitude to the resource persons for providing the Committee with valuable information. She informed Hon Members that the presentations had brought to light an interesting dimension in as far as interrogating water resource management in the region was concerned. She added that the Standing Committee on FANR could in the future undertake a study on a similar theme with special focus on water resource governance during pandemics. The Secretary General informed the meeting that water had become an important resource especially during the COVID 19 pandemic, where as in the past water was mainly relegated to domestic, industrial and other uses, the pandemic had actually revealed the importance of water in the health sector. In that regard, the Secretary General noted that it was important for the region to understand the clinical manifestation of water borne infections during pandemics.
Conclusions and Resolutions
Following the presentations and discussions, the FANR Committee concluded
and resolved as follows:
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There was need for the SADC Member States to conduct research in order to ascertain the potential of groundwater in the region. This would result in effective planning and sustainable management of water. -
The Committee made a clarion call to Member States to appreciate and provide support towards implementation of the WEF nexus programme, noting that water challenges were becoming complex and interfering with the key developmental sectors such as energy, agriculture, transportationand communication, among others. -
In light of the WEF nexus approach, there was a need for respective Member States to ensure that the policies, strategies and legislation onwater were aligned to the principles of integrated water resource management. -
The Committee resolved to urge Members States to adopt an integratedand basin wide approach to development, noting that developmentalactivities of one Member State could have a negative impact on another country. -
There was need to provide support to SADC Parliamentarians to enable them address new and emerging challenges such as climate change, COVID 19 pandemic, gender and social inequalities all of which impacted water resource management. -
SADC Parliamentarians to strengthen their representative role and utilise it to raise awareness on the challenges that beset water resource management in the region. -
Need for strengthened oversight and harmonisation of legislation across the SADC region to ensure smooth and effective implementation of programmes. -
SADC Parliaments to lobby respective Governments to increase budgetary allocations towards the water sector to promote investments that can guarantee a water secure region.
The Acting Chairperson thanked the Members for their participation and valuable contributions. He also placed on record his appreciation for the expert information which was shared by the resource persons and expressed the Committee’s desire to learn more about integrated water resource management.
There being no further business, the FANR Committee meeting was adjourned at 12:20 hours.
_______________________________ ________________________
Hon. Lekhetho Mosito Sharon B M Nyirongo
ACTING CHAIRPERSON COMMITTEE SECRETARY
Published in Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Monday, 23 May 2022 13:52
CONCEPT NOTE FOR THE MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES SUNDAY, 1ST MAY, 2022 9.00 AM TO 17.00PM CAT
THEME: PARTICIPATION OF PARLIAMENTS TOWARDS BUILDING RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS IN THE SADC REGION THROUGH ENHANCED PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Agriculture is both a source of food security and a core economic activity across all SADC Member States. The agriculture sector has significant social and economic importance in the SADC region, contributing between 4 percent and 27 percent of Gross Domestic Product among the different SADC countries, and approximately 13 percent of export earnings overall. Furthermore, about 70 percent of the region’s population depends on agriculture for food, income, and employment.
Public Financial Management (PFM) relates to how governments raise public resources and manage these public resources and the immediate and medium to long term effect of these sources on the economy and citizens.2 Parliamentarians, as elected officials representing their constituencies, play a critical role throughout the PFM cycle. PFM policies vary by country and can cover issues related to tax law, budget management, debt management, subsidies, and state-owned enterprises. A well-functioning PFM system is critical to ensuring accountability and efficiency in the use of public financial resources, while a weak PFM system can result in significant wastage of scarce resources.
SADC countries have committed to several continental and regional aspirations on agriculture some of which include, the Maputo Declaration, which calls for
- https://www.sadc.int/themes/agriculture-food-security/
- https://www.cabri-sbo.org/uploads/files/Documents/Cabri_Module-1-ENG.pdf
- https://www.fpfinancingroadmap.org/learning/specific-topics/public-financial-management
Member States to increase agricultural budget allocations to 10 percent and pursue agricultural growth of 6 percent in addition to setting up the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Other instruments include the Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) of 2013 and Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) for the period 2017-2022, among others. Despite such efforts, progress in agriculture in the region remains static, partly due to lack of accountability and transparency in the use ofpublic resources in implementing agricultural programmes. Many countries in the world face challenges related to financial mismanagement such as poor financial reporting practice, weak internal control systems, weak financial
administration, unethical relationships with vendors of agriculture suppliesand rush spending of budget at the end of the budget year.5 This, coupled with corruption in government contracts or licenses for agricultural supplies, make it difficult for agriculture to thrive.
Further, poor quality, undelivered goods and high prices are typical outcomes from collusion between government officials and private sector firms. In some instances, government agencies connive with private companies in purchasing fertiliser at exorbitant prices and in turn receive a share of the profit. Without a doubt, this has increased the cost of agricultural production and eliminated
competition in the fertiliser industry as small agro dealers have little chance of obtaining government contracts. This eventually affects some farmers who receive low quality planting materials, unhealthy farm animals and are victims of undelivered farm equipment from the state.6 In addition, fraudulent schemes involving other agricultural inputs such as seed and fertilisers are common. Corruption in the allocation of government subsidies, bribery in government contracts or licences for agricultural supplies are also rampant.7 Given the vastness of the agricultural sector, from small scale subsistence farming to large commercial plantations, understanding the sector's value chain to map appropriate corruption risks and anti-corruption measures can be a helpful exercise.
The agricultural sector has long been identified as fundamental to transforming
livelihoods and opportunities on the African continent and has the potential to
do a lot to address this imbalance. 80 percent of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa
are smallholders, typically with less than two hectares of land.8 Poverty is
- For the Maputo Declaration, see: https://bit.ly/2PQ4EhX
- TRANSTEC, Public Governance: Public Finance Management Research Park, Last update January 2017, Belgium www.transtec.be
- https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/34085/Main-Report.pdf?sequence=4
- Zúñiga, N. 2018. Land corruption: Topic guide. Transparency International.
- The Role of Smallholder Farms in a Changing World. The Role of Smallholder Farms in Food and Nutrition Security, 2020 ISBN : 978-3-030-42147-2Shenggen Fan, Christopher Rue
pervasive amongst them, with millions living below the poverty line. Farmers have little power to fight corrupt institutions. However, transparent management of the agricultural sector that empowers farmers through robust PFM could be one of the best tools the region has to fight poverty at scale. A healthy and prosperous agricultural sector which is regularly overseen by Parliament could be the engine for economic growth on the continent. The World Bank projects that agriculture and agribusiness in Africa have the potential to make up a US$1 trillion industry by 2030, but this will only happen if embezzlement, fraud and bribery are addressed. Transparency is a potent weapon in fighting corruption. The public sector should prioritise efforts to create and enforce legal frameworks that promote transparency and root out corruption.
2.0 LEVERAGING THE PFM MODEL LAW TO ELEVATE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
Oversight of PFM frameworks by Parliament can become a powerful tool to heighten the strength and resilience of agricultural systems. Members of Parliament can interrogate Governmental measures relating to agriculture in the budget and demand explanations on the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 on food security and sustainable agriculture. The pathway to query the alignment with the SDGs is provided for in the Model Law on PFM which is under development at the Forum. This would occur in the form of an SDG Statement and other statements which compare the level of agricultural development with standards set out in international treaties and conventions signed by the Member States. The scrutiny of budget measures with respect to the SDGs and other commitments taken will augment the stimulus for the Executive to promote pro-agricultural measures with a view of harmonising national and regional agendas, thus ultimately benefiting food security and agriculture in the SADC region.
In addition, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is the main parliamentary body exercising oversight on Government accounts, will haveenhanced powers under the Model Law to scrutinise reports from decentralised agricultural bodies and departments. Currently, the PAC usually has the power to only review the report of the Auditor General. With the advent of the Model Law, the PAC will be empowered to look at all accounting and financial reports of agricultural bodies and organisations which are funded by the State. Under the Model Law, Parliament will also exercise control over the debt ceiling of the State, and hence more domestic funding would be available in the long term to finance programmes for food security and agro-business.
3.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2013/03/04/africas-food-markets-could-create-one-trilliondollar-opportunity-2030
The aim of the meeting of the Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture and
Natural Resources is to explore how effective public finance management can
be utilised as a tool to build resilient agricultural systems in the region.
The specific objectives are to:
- assess how the Model Law can contribute to improved utilisation of public financial resources and enhance the performance of the agriculture sector in the SADC region;
- establish the challenges inhibiting effective public finance management in the agriculture sector, and assess how the Model Law can be utilised to develop a turnaround strategy;
- make recommendations on how legislatures can use their oversight role to foster effective public finance management in the agriculture sector; and
- reflect on a theme for the 51st Plenary Assembly of the Forum in line with current regional and world affairs, such as the energy crisis i.e the upward escalation of oil, natural gas and diesel prices due to speculations on the energy market, and the need for the SADC region to be more energy efficient and attain SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy.
4.0 PARTICIPANTS
The meeting is designed for Honourable Members of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources.
5.0 METHODOLOGY
This meeting will be held Johannesburg, South Africa. A panel of experienced resource persons will make presentations, followed by an interactive session to explore ways in which Parliaments can utilise their oversight function to enhance public finance management in the agriculture sector in the SADC region. Therefore, the Session will be delivered through presentations. Further, Hon Members will be provided an opportunity to engage the resource persons during the plenary session.
6.0 EXPECTED OUTCOMES
It is expected that Hon Members will gain a deeper understanding on what is required to build resilient agriculture systems through enhanced social accountability and effectivje public finance management.
Published in Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Monday, 23 May 2022 12:39
SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEES SESSION (HYBRID MEETING) 51ST SADC PF PLENARY ASSEMBLY SESSION DATES: 22ND APRIL TO 3RD MAY 2022 VENUE: RADISSON HOTEL, SOUTH AFRICA
Message from the Speaker of Malawi ssage from the Speaker of Malawi
On behalf of the Parliament of Malawi, I wish to welcome Honourable Members and all other Delegates meetings of Standing Committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum which will be physically held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26th April to 3rd May, 2022. The meetings are being held in preparations to the 51st Plenary Assembly Session of the Forum which Malawi is expected to host from 7th to 16th July, 2022.
The Standing Committees are meeting in fulfilment of their constitutional mandate as oversight organs of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
I would like, therefore, to wish you all the best during the deliberations in this session and hope that the resolutions from these meetings will go a long way in enhancing the spirit regional integration and cooperation amongst the SADC Member States.
Once again, welcome to Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa.
Rt. Hon Catherine Gotani Hara
Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi
CONCEPT NOTE SADC-PF STANDING COMMITTEE SESSION 22ND APRIL TO 3RD MAY 2022 AHEAD OF THE 51ST PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE SADC-PF TO BE HOSTED BY PARLIAMENT OF MALAWI
I. Background and situational context
In recent years, Public Financial Management (PFM) has been identified as a key tenet of democratic frameworks, bearing strong links with the rule of law, constitutionalism and parliamentary sovereignty. In that regard, the 46th Plenary Assembly of the SADC-PF identified the inherent deficiencies which existed in PFM regimes of SADC Member States and called for swift reform through the development of a Model Law on PFM which would stand as a guiding legislative benchmark for the inspiration of national Parliaments. According to the evidence generated by the country rankings relating to democracy and governance indices published worldwide (the EIU and Mo Ibrahim Indices), the SADC region is grappling with issues of corruption, fraud, nepotism, cronyism, all of which share common roots with the way public finances are being managed.
The development of a PFM Model Law is a coveted ambition of the SADC-PF which remains to date unmatched around the globe: it is the first Model Law of its kind in the world.
It was thus intended that the PFM Model Law would serve as a landmark regional benchmark to consolidate the oversight powers of SADC Parliaments over various PFM processes, including the budget process, supplementary appropriation, public debt, scrutiny of public operations through the Public Accounts Committee, to cite but a few areas of concern. In addition, the PFM Model Law is aimed at helping to consolidate the democratic drive by encouraging the mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development (SDGs) into the budget process and to remain visible; that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is progressively implemented; and that provision for SRHR and HIV/AIDS Governance is improved at every budget exercise. Furthermore, the PFM Model Law encompasses the use of new technologies such as cryptocurrencies which may have an undeniable impact on public finances in years to come. With the advent of the SADC Model Law on PFM, it is envisioned that Southern Africa may become a powerhouse of social and economic prosperity which is equally respectful of human rights and democratic principles.
II. The Joint Session of Standing Committees
The Forum is proceeding with its statutory Committee session from the 27th of April to 4th May 2022, which constitutes a unique occasion for all Standing Committees and the Regional Women Parliamentary Caucus to reflect, consult and deliberate on the PFM Model Law, prior to its adoption at the 51st Plenary Assembly of the Forum. Since the Model Law has been developed in a holistic fashion, it is important for all Standing Committees and the RWPC to consider its provisions from their respective thematic lenses, such that the Model Law becomes a well-balanced legislative instrument which is robustly grounded in all the key intervention areas of the Forum. It is thus important for Standing Committees and the RWPC to hit the mark and give polishing remarks for the Model Law to crystallise and be ready for recommendation to the Plenary Assembly.
III. Areas of the PFM Model Law to be covered by each Standing Committee
The central objective of the Committee session will thus be to focus on the need for PFM reform, with the Model Law being showcased as an enabler of parliamentary efforts for progressive PFM measures. Each Standing Committee will be earmarked to reflect and deliberate on satellite themes which are relevant to its mandate and which gravitate around the central theme of PFM, as follows:
1. The Human and Social Development and Special Programmes Committee (HSDSP)
Reflections are by the Committee centred around the mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UHC and SRHR through budget documents to be tabled in Parliament as provided for in the Model Law.
Part of the Model Law to consider: Part 7 (In particular sections 59 to 61)
2. The Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Infrastructure (TIFI)
The Committee may wish to focus on Part 8 of the Model Law regarding Government borrowing since it impacts to a huge extent on the level of investment made. Part 9 on Procurement and Part 10 on Public Accounts are also areas of interest to the Committee.
3. The Committee on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR)
The Committee is to engage in reflections on the ways in which the PFM Model Law may be used to improve budget allocations to heighten FANR initiatives, including green and ecological farming, climate change adaptation, pesticide free cultivation, among others. The Committee may consider how to leverage tax and non-fiscal incentives through the budget process to heighten sustainable agricultural initiatives.
4. The Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR)
The Committee may wish to brainstorm on the provisions of the Model Law relating to checks and balances, and parliamentary control, in particular Part 6. This Part focuses on the functions and powers of the Public Accounts Committee and on the type of reports that it may review apart from the report of the Auditor General.
5. The Committee on Gender Equality, Women Advancement, Youth Development (GEWAYD)
Reflections to be centred on gender-based budgeting and gender mainstreaming into the budget exercise and on ways to achieve these two aspirations through explanatory budget statements.
Part of the Model Law to consider: Part 7 (In particular sections 60- 62)
6. The Regional Women Parliamentary Caucus
The RWPC may wish to consider the avenues to improve decision-making by women, and to enhance women participation in the budget exercise. Reflections focus on Part 7 relating to the National Budget and the need to provide for the inclusive participation of women to the consultative process.
IV. Specific Objectives of the Standing Committee Session
The Specific Objectives of the Committee Session are as follows:
a) Take stock of the diverse PFM stakeholder consultations which took place during the period February to April 2022, including with judicial officers, prosecutors, line ministries, state law officers, central banks, to cite but a few;
b) Consider the ways in which the stakeholder consultations have shaped the provisions of the Model Law;
c) Take cognisance of relevant views and comments from stakeholder consultations for MPs to deliberate and decide upon in view of proposing amendments to the Model Law, if necessary;
d) Deliberate on provisions of the Model law from a holistic and thematic perspective, with each Committee addressing the thematic content most relevant to its mandate; and
e) Validate the provisions of the Model Law for onward adoption of the 51st Plenary Assembly.
V. Elections of new Office Bearers
By virtue of Rule 39(1) of the Rules of Procedure, the Standing Committee Sessions will also elect new Office Bearers for the positions of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, positions which are filled every two years, bearing in mind the principle of rotation. Member countries which have not yet assumed these positions of responsibility will thus have the opportunity of presenting their representatives as candidates for elections. In accordance with Rule 38(5), gender considerations must be taken into account in electing office bearers, so that to the extent practically possible, where a male MP is elected Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall be female, and vice-versa, (this applies except for the RWPC where both leadership positions are occupied by female MPs).
The newly constituted leadership of Committees will thus guide the Committees of the Forum towards the 51st Plenary Assembly Session and will continue to lead the execution of Committee work plans for the next two years.
VI. Venue
The Joint Session will be a hybrid meeting with the physical session taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, at a venue to be confirmed.
**
ACTIVITY PROGRAMME
| DAY 1 FRIDAY 22ND APRIL | Virtual Meeting of the Regional Parliamentary Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) |
09:00-10:45 | Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RPMLOC to track progress on the domestication of SADC Model Laws by Member Parliaments |
| 10:45-11:00 | Tea Break |
11:00-13:00 | Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RPMLOC |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch Break |
14:00-15:30 | Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RPMLOC |
| DAY 2 MONDAY 25th APRIL | Virtual Statutory Meeting of the Regional Women Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) |
09:00-10:45 | Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RWPC to share experiences of and gain knowledge on the work done by Women’s Caucuses at national level and look for ways to build efficiency through increased dialogue at the regional level |
| 10:45-11:00 | Tea Break |
11:00-13:00 | Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RWPC |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch Break |
14:00-15:00 | Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RWPC |
15:00-15:30 | Elections for RWPC Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2022 to 2024 |
| DAY 3 TUESDAY 26TH APRIL |
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DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 27TH APRIL |
REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE SENSITISATION HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON SAFE ABORTION CASE STUDIES FOR MPS AND SECTORAL LEADERSHIP POLICY ADVOCACY DIALOGUE WITH PARLIAMENTARIANS ON PREVENTION OF UNSAFE ABORTIONS AND EARLY AND UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES IN THE SADC REGION 1.BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION Through funding support from Sweden, Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) and SAfAIDS are jointly hosting a virtual Regional Legislative Sensitisation High-Level Meeting on Safe Abortion Case Studies for Members of Parliament and a Sectoral Policy Advocacy Dialogue with Parliamentarians. The two regional events are being collaboratively convened under the Regional SRHR, HIV and Governance Project and Regional Transforming Lives Programme respectively, seeking to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) outcomes for SADC citizens. The two events build on the Regional Policy Advocacy Dialogue held with Parliamentarians on 1st April 2021 which resulted in key recommendations being passed by Members of Parliament towards a Regional Roadmap on Ending Unsafe Abortion and Early and Unintended Pregnancy (EUP). 2. PURPOSE OF THE REGIONAL POLICY ADVOCACY DIALOGUE The Regional Legislative Sensitisation High-Level Meeting and Policy Advocacy Dialogue are strategic platforms to examine the status and extent of unsafe abortion and EUP in the SADC region and focus on catalysing policy advocacy actions towards preventing unsafe abortion and EUP in the SADC Region. The two events will be hosted with the following objectives:
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| DAY 5 THURSDAY 28TH APRIL | Joint Sitting of SADC PF Standing Committees and the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) Objective: to review and validate the SADC Model Law on Public Financial Management |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Session 1 Director of Ceremonies-: Mrs Yapoka Nyirenda Mungandi- Director Finance and Corporate Services Official Opening Session o Introductions o Welcome Remarks by Ms Boemo M. Sekgoma, SADC PF Secretary General, SADC PF o Official Opening Address by Hon. Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Zambia o Vote of thanks by Hon Jerónima Agostinho, DGHR and Member of the Executive Committee o Meeting Objectives and Programme Overview |
| 09:30 – 10:45 | Introduction of Legal Drafter and Order of Business- Mr Joseph Manzi- Director Programmes and Parliamentary Business Consideration of the Draft SADC Model Law on Clause-by-Clause Session 2 ❖ DRAFT/EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE MODEL LAW ON PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ❖ PREAMBLE ❖ ARRANGEMENT OF PROVISIONS ❖ PRELIMINARY ❖ AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Facilitator: Dr Daniel Greenberg, Legal Drafter |
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Group Photograph and Tea Break |
| 11:00 – 13:00 | Session 2 Continues ❖ PART 3 o AUTHORITIES ❖ PART 4 o PUBLIC FUNDS ❖ PART 5 o SUPPLY AND APPROPRIATION ❖ PART 6 o PARLIAMENTARY CONTROL ❖ PART 7 o NATIONAL BUDGET ❖ PART 8 o GOVERNMENT BORROWING ❖ PART 9 o PROCUREMENT AND USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES ❖ PART 10 o PUBLIC ACCOUNTS ❖ PART 11 o FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT, MISUSE AND MALADMINISTRATION ❖ PART 12 o CRYPTOCURRENCIES ❖ PART 13 o STATE GOVERNMENTS ❖ PART 14 o LOCAL AUTHORITIES ❖ PART 15 o STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES ❖ PART 16 o FINAL PROVISIONS ❖ SCHEDULES o SCHEDULE 1 o STATE GOVERNMENTS ▪ PART 1: PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT APPLYING TO STATE GOVERNMENTS ▪ PART 2: MODIFICATIONS IN APLICATION TO STATE GOVERNMENTS o PART 1: PRELIMINARY o PART 2: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES o PART 3: AUTHORITIES o PART 4: PUBLIC FUNDS o PART 5: SUPPLY AND APPROPRIATION o PART 6: PARLIAMENTARY CONTROL |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Break |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Session 3 ❖ PART 7: NATIONAL BUDGET ❖ PART 8: GOVERNMENT BORROWING Facilitator: Dr Daniel Greenberg, Legal Drafter Tea Break Session 3 Continues ❖ PART 9: PROCUREMENT AND USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES |
| 17:00 | Announcements & End of Day |
| DAY 6 FRIDAY 29TH APRIL |
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| 09:00 – 10:45 | Session 4 ❖ PART 10: PUBLIC ACCOUNTS ❖ PART 11: FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT, MISUSE AND MALADMINISTRATION Facilitator: Dr Daniel Greenberg, Legal Drafter |
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Tea Break |
| 11:00 – 13:00 | Session 4 Continues ❖ PART 12: CRYPTOCURRENCIES ❖ PART 13: STATE GOVERNMENTS ❖ PART 14: LOCAL AUTHORITIES ❖ PART 15: STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES ❖ PART 16: FINAL PROVISIONS |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch Break |
| 14:00 – 15:30 | Session 5 ❖ SCHEDULES o SCHEDULE 1: STATE GOVERNMENTS
o SCHEDULE 2: LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Facilitator: Dr Daniel Greenberg, Legal Drafter |
| 15:30 – 15:45 | Tea Break |
| 15:45 – 16:50 | o SCHEDULE 2: STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES
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| 16:50 – 17:00 | Closing Remarks by the Chairperson of the Regional Parliamentary Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) Hon. Leon Tumba |
| 17:00 | End of Day & End of Joint Sitting to review and validate PFM Model Law STATUTORY MEETINGS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND THE RWPC |
| DAY 7 SATURDAY 30TH APRIL |
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| 09:00-10:45 |
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| 10:45-11:00 | Tea Break |
| 11:00-13:00 |
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| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch Break |
| 14:00-16:30 |
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| 16:30-17:00 |
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| DAY 8 SUNDAY 1ST MAY |
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| 09:00-10:45 |
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| 11:45-11:00 | Tea Break |
| 11:00-12:30 |
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| 12:30-13:30 |
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| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch Break |
| 14:00-17:00 |
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| DAY 9 MONDAY 2ND MAY |
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| DAY 10 TUESDAY 3RD MAY | Departures for Committee Secretaries |
Programme-for-Standing-Cttee-Session-51st-Plenary-Assembly
Published in Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources