"We have high expectations of the Kampala Declaration"

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The rural population and vulnerable groups should be involved in the implementation of the African Union's (AU) Kampala Declaration on the transformation of agricultural and food systems. This is the demand of sociologist Lawani Arouna, Vice President of the Regional umbrella organisation of farmers' associations in West Africa (ROPPA). He made the statement during his participation in the conference "Partners for Change - SOILutions for a Food Secure, Resilient and Sustainable Future" in Berlin.

Lawani Arouna, Vice President of ROPPA © GIZ
Lawani Arouna, Vice President of ROPPA © GIZ

By Lawani Arouna

Lawani Arouna is Vice President of the Network of Farmers' Organisations and Agricultural Producers in West Africa (ROPPA). ROPPA is an initiative specifically for farmers' organisations and agricultural producers in West Africa. It comprises 13 national farmers' organisations from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and associated farmers' organisations (Cap-Green, Nigeria).

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What are your impressions of the discussions at the Partners for Change conference?

 

My impression is very good, as we came here to discuss a relevant and very serious topic, namely the transformation of agricultural and food systems. This transformation is part of the challenges of the coming years. The paradox is that there is enough food in the world, but it is unfairly distributed. Farmers in the South, especially young people and women, have very low yields due to unequal access to the means of production. We can solve the problem of hunger in the world if the countries of the North and the South, especially the most vulnerable countries, come to the table to discuss and find relevant recommendations that are binding for our respective state authorities. We must combat all forms of exclusion.

 

"We must fight all forms of exclusion."

 

What solutions does your farmers' organisation ROPPA propose?

 

The most important task of a farmers' organisation like ROPPA is to influence policy. Previous policies have reached their limits. They need to be deconstructed and new proposals have to be made. Proposals that enable healthy and sustainable production. The cost and waste of food must be reduced. The circular economy must be promoted. We should also finally solve the problem of vulnerable groups, especially the youth and women in African countries. No policy can be successful if it does not address the issue of vulnerable groups, because the future of our planet depends on it. We need a more realistic and sustainable policy for agriculture and we need to rethink our entire agricultural and food system globally.

 

With the Kampala Declaration, the African Union set new standards for the transformation of agricultural and food systems in January 2025. How is ROPPA involved in this process?

 

ROPPA is involved in the Kampala process in four ways.

Firstly, we are speaking out in favour of family farming and focusing on the rights, needs and realities of family farms. Secondly, ROPPA will participate in the dialogue platforms set up by the African Union for the Kampala Process. Thirdly, we will assess the commitments set out in the Kampala Declaration and follow up on their implementation. Fourthly, we are committed to strengthening the capacities of farmers' organisations.

 

What does ROPPA expect from the Kampala Declaration?

 

ROPPA has high expectations of the Kampala Declaration. We call for family farms to be recognised and supported. The rural population must have the right to define their own agricultural and food policy.

We hope for targeted public investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural advice and adequate financing for producers. We demand social justice and inclusion for women, youth and marginalised groups. ROPPA dreams of a sustainable, resilient production system that respects local knowledge and ecosystems.

 

"We are reaching out to young farmers so that they can write their own story. Because tomorrow they will carry the future of African agriculture."

 

What is your hope for the young farmers in Benin?

 

The young farmers in Benin are the hope of tomorrow, they are the next generation. These young people are really combative, and we are empowering them to become good young professionals. Many of them are supported by their parents, while others are training for leadership positions or agricultural entrepreneurship so that they can take control of their own destiny. These young people have an extraordinary opportunity thanks to the new means of communication and information, the internet, digitalisation and artificial intelligence in agriculture. Today, they have many more opportunities to succeed than the older generations had in the past. We are reaching out to them so that they can write their own history. Because tomorrow they will carry the future of African agriculture.

 

Background:

The Regional umbrella organisation of farmers' associations in West Africa (ROPPA) (Réseau des Organisations Paysannes et des Producteurs Agri-coles de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) brings together over ten national farmers' organisations in West Africa. The association was founded in 2000 in the capital of Benin, Cotonou. ROPPA is committed to promoting family farms and peasant agriculture. The organisation is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH with the Global Programme Strengthening Farmers' Organisations for Sustainable Agricultural Development. The project supports ROPPA with the help of partner organisations in the institutional purchase of agricultural products, formats for the exchange of knowledge and experience with other associations and leadership training for young farmers.

 

By Claudia Jordan

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Besides the well known impacts of Covid19 lockdowns for the adult population, the associated school closures led to 90 percent of the world’s children with no access to schools. However, school meals are in often the only daily meal for children. Without access to this safety net, issues like hunger, poverty and malnutrition are exacerbated for hundreds of millions of children.

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Women in Burkina Faso harvest fresh vegetables in a lush, green field, showcasing their agricultural skills.

Gender equality: Essential for food and nutrition security

A contribution by Carsta Neuenroth (BfdW)

The majority of producers in developing countries are women. Although they contribute significantly to the food security of their families, they remain chronically disadvantaged in male-dominated agriculture in terms of access to land, credit, technology and education.

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Women in colorful attire are planting saplings in a training center garden.

Success story allotment garden: Food supply and women's empowerment

A contribution by Nadine Babatounde and Anne Floquet (MISEREOR)

To prevent malnutrition among young children and strengthen the role of women in their communities, Misereor, together with the local non-governmental organisation CEBEDES, is implementing a programme on integrated home gardens in Benin - a series of pictures.

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Four women smile while selling dried fish and seafood in a lively green market setting.

Planetary Health: Recommendations for a Post-Pandemic World

A contribution by Dr. Kathleen Mar and Dr. Nicole de Paula

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, health is receiving unprecedented public and political attention. Yet the fact that climate change is also affecting the environmental and social determinants of health in a profound and far-reaching way deserves further recognition.

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A group of men wearing masks engage in a fruit preparation activity, emphasizing that nutrition is not just a woman's concern.

Nutrition is not just a women’s issue

A contribution by GIZ

When women have control over the resources of a household and manage the income, it usually leads to a more balanced and healthier diet for the family. But often the decision-making power lies with the men. How can this gender inequality be addressed? The GIZ global project Food Security and Resilience provides insights into project work on gender-transformative approaches finances by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

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Solar panels are installed in a rural area, harnessing renewable energy under a clear blue sky.

Unlocking the potential of agrivoltaics

A contribution by Fraunhofer Institute

Agrivoltaics is a concept that combines photovoltaic electricity generation and agricultural production, providing the opportunity for a more efficient land use and contributing overall to the integration of food, energy and water systems. This can be particularly interesting for countries in the Global South, where rural electrification rates are often low and food security needs to be improved.

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Wind turbines stand on a lush rural landscape, harnessing green energy under a cloudy sky.

The rush for green energy shouldn’t undermine rights of pastoralist communities

A contribution by Hussein Tadicha Wario

Africa’s drylands seem to be predestined for generating solar and wind power – especially given the current hype over green hydrogen. However, pastoral communities are often put at a disadvantage in this respect. Our author describes the arising conflicts and what successful coexistence of green energy projects and the communities could look like.

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A woman in a patterned outfit harvests bananas in a lush field, surrounded by tall green plants.

Against all Odds

A Contribution by Claudia Huber

Rose Okello is a Matoke farmer and single mother living in a village near Mbarara, a town in southern Uganda. To ensure that she can pay for her family's food, her children's school fees and other expenses on time, Rose uses various financial services. Her story portrays hurdles but also hope for women in agribusiness.

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A woman at a trade show proudly displays organic food products in front of a booth showcasing diverse packaged goods.

BIOFACH as a game changer for organic producers

A Contribution by Claudia Jordan

In 2025, GIZ and the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) celebrate ten years of successful cooperation. With their joint stand at BIOFACH trade fair in Nuremberg, they were able to introduce over 300 organic companies of partner countries to the European market. And the journey continues – despite challenges on the global market.

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A smiling woman in a polka dot dress holds a baby, embodying change and joy in a lush outdoor setting.

Women as Change Agents

A conversation with Caroline Kayanja, Dr. Eileen Nchanji, & Theresa Herbold

A transformation of agricultural and food systems is not possible without overcoming structural gender inequalities. In this discussion, Caroline Kayanja (UCOBAC), Dr Eileen Nchanji (CIAT) and Theresa Herbold (Ministry of Development) reflect on the key challenges and solutions – from land access and representation to women-led collectives and innovative technologies.

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Stephan Exo-Kreischer ist Deutschland-Direktor der Lobby- und Kampagnenorganisation ONE.

New campaign for women: "Poverty is sexist"

Interview with Stephan Exo-Kreischer

This is a benchmark for everybody: More rights for women are a very influencing solution in the struggle against extreme poverty and hunger worldwide, says Stephan Exo-Kreischer, Director of ONE Germany. The organisation specialises in political campaigning as a lever for sustainable change.

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A lively panel discussion unfolds with a speaker gesturing energetically while others sit, including L. Hartmann, smiling.

A fresh opportunity

Interview with Lutz Hartmann

By leasing a three hundred hectare fruit plantation in Ethiopia, Lutz Hartmann has realised a long-cherished dream: to run his own business in Africa. Now he has a personal interest in the issue of Africa’s development.

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Förderung einer nachhaltigen Landwirtschaft, Burkina Faso. Foto: Aude Rossignol, GIZ
Förderung einer nachhaltigen Landwirtschaft, Burkina Faso. Foto: Aude Rossignol, GIZ

Building our food systems back better

A contribution by Jes Weigelt and Alexander Müller

What is required to make food systems provide sufficient, healthy food while not harming the planet? How should food security be maintained given the threat posed by climate change? Our authors look at some aspects of tomorrow’s food systems against the backdrop of the corona crisis.

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A person stands on a rocky hill, overlooking a vast, scenic landscape with a towering cliff and expansive fields below.

Human Rights, Land and Rural Development

A contribution by Michael Windfuhr (German Institute for Human Rights)

Land rights are no longer governed by the law of the strongest. That is what the international community has agreed to. Governments and private companies have a duty to respect human rights and avoid corruption.

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People walk along a red dirt road in a rural village, with greenery and buildings lining the path under a clear sky.

Land is Crucial for Development

A contribution by Roselyn Korleh and M. Sahr Nouwah (WHH)

The Liberian town of Kinjor is a picture-book example for what happens, if land rights aren’t protected, and it illustrates how to move forward from there. The keyword: Multi-Actor Partnership

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A large group of people gather under a tree, engaging in a community meeting in a rural village setting.

Land Rights, Gender and Soil Fertility in Benin

A contribution by Dr. Karin Gaesing and Prof. Dr. Frank Bliss (INEF)

Especially in densely populated areas, land pressure leads to overexploitation of available land and a lack of conservation measures. The West African country of Benin, with heavily depleted soils in many places, is no exception.

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A woman in a pink shirt receives a certificate from a man at a formal event, with officials and banners in the background.

Land Rights for Secure Livelihoods: My Land is My Life

Three quarters of the world's population do not have secure land rights, which hinders investment and innovation. The project "Improvement of Livelihood and Food Security" supports smallholder farmers in acquiring land.

A project of GIZ

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The image shows a BMZ publication cover on sustainable agri-food systems with Earth and a focus on ending hunger.

Nine Harvests Left until 2030: How Will the BMZ Organise Itself in the Future?

An Interview with Dirk Schattschneider (BMZ)

"One World no Hunger" (SEWOH) becomes one of the five core themes of the BMZ. Dirk Schattschneider, SEWOH Commissioner about previous approaches, future areas of action, and the political will to end hunger.

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Rolling green hills and scattered trees stretch toward distant mountains under a clear sky.

Soil Restoration Starts with the People

A Contribution by TMG Think Tank for Sustainability

Highlighting how secure tenure rights are key to achieving land degradation neutrality and soil restoration targets..

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Aerial view of widespread flooding covering agricultural fields and rural roads, showcasing the impact on the landscape.

Strenghtening Farmers' Rights with Soft Laws

A Contribution by Welthungerhilfe

How the UN Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGT) contribute to fairer and more secure land access.

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Delegates attentively listen during a session at the UNCCD COP15 conference on May 9, 2022.

World Soil Conference ends with resolutions on drought management and land restoration

A contribution by GIZ

At the UNCCD COP15, the nearly 200 Parties met in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. A key goal is to halt the loss of fertile soils by 2030.

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Delegates gather in a large hall for the UNCCD COP15 conference in Abidjan, engaging in discussions on climate action.

For a just transition to a sustainable planet we must secure land rights

A contribution by TMG

At the UNCCD COP15, the Töpfer Müller Gaßner Think Tank (TMG) hosted four side events. The agenda of the kick-off event included discussions for the Human Rights and Land Navigator.

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Aerial view of a Madagascar landscape showing a patchwork of fields and a dirt road dividing dry and green areas.

Towards Climate Justice: Securing Women’s Land Rights for a Resilient Tomorrow

A Contribution by TMG

In the midst of global climate discussions, a resounding call emerges: Women's land rights must be the cornerstone of our climate actions. They're not just pieces of the puzzle; they form the foundation for true climate resilience. TMG Think Tank for Sustainability reports from the first African Climate Summit.

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Sparse desert vegetation stretches across a vast, sandy landscape under a clear blue sky. | © GIZ Fouad Bestandji

"Climate change is unifying people from the region"

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

In the West Bank, political tensions and increasingly poor weather conditions are making farming more difficult. What needs to be done? Questions for Abbas Milhem, Executive Director of the Palestinian Farmers Union (PFU).

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Five women in colorful attire proudly display their land titles in Madagascar, celebrating empowerment and ownership.

Towards more equitable rural realities

A Contribution by GIZ

In the #HerLand campaign for COP16, the UNCCD is focusing on women as key players in conserving soils and combating drought. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has also contributed to the campaign focusing on securing women's land rights.

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A portable radio with an extended antenna sits on freshly cut grass in a field. | © GIZ Ursula Meissner

Twelve countries, two podcasts, one goal 

A Contribution by GIZ

Two new podcast formats from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) bring stories from on-the-ground project work to life: "Over to you!" from Malawi and "Voices of Change – Beneficiary Story Book" from Zambia. At the heart of these podcasts are the people behind the changes toward sustainable food security.

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Is the international community still on track in the fight against hunger?

Interview with Miriam Wiemers (Welthungerhilfe)

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020 shows that the world is not on track to meet the international goal of “zero hunger by 2030”. If we continue at our current speed, around 37 countries will not even have reached a low hunger level by 2030.

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A hand carefully opens a ripe cocoa pod, revealing the seeds inside against a backdrop of more pods.

Doing More With Less

A contribution by Jochen Moninger

Innovation is the only way to end hunger worldwide by the deadline we have set ourselves. The secret lies in networking and sharing ideas – and several initiatives are already leading by example.

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(c) TMG-SEWOH
Zwei Landwirte führen ein während der COVID-19-Pandemie ein Videotagebuch mit ihren persönlichen Erfahrungen in Umgang mit Corona.

Video diaries in the days of Corona: Voices from the ground

A contribution by Sarah D´haen & Alexander Müller, Louisa Nelle, Bruno St. Jaques, Sarah Kirangu-Wissler and Matteo Lattanzi (TMG)

Young farmers’ insights on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa @CovidFoodFuture and video diaries from Nairobi’s informal settlements.

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A woman smiles while carrying a basket of plants in a lush garden, surrounded by vibrant greenery and trees.

The hype about urban gardening: farmers or hobby gardeners?

A contribution by Stig Tanzmann

Urban gardening is becoming increasingly popular in northern metropoles. People who consider themselves part of a green movement are establishing productive gardens in the city, for example on rooftops or in vacant lots. In severely impoverished regions of the global South, urban agriculture is a component of the food strategy.

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(c) Christoph Püschner/Zeitenspiegel
Republik Niger, Kollo: die Werbetafel einer NGO soll helfen, dass in der nigerianischen Gesellschaft das Thema Familienplanung populär wird.

A new U.S. Africa policy?

An article by Jan Rübel

After four years of Donald Trump in the White House, it is time to take stock: What policies did the Republican government pursue in African regions? And what will change in favor of Joe Biden after the election decision? Here is an evaluation.

 

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(c) Christoph Püschner/Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe
Republik Niger / Kollo, Nov. 2017: Müttern haben sich für den Vortrag "richtige Ernährung für Kinder" der NGO Kundji Fondo im Dorfzentrum versammelt.

Good health is impossible without healthy food

A contribution by Heino von Meyer

Corona makes it even more difficult to achieve a world without hunger by 2030. So that this perspective does not get out of sight, Germany must play a stronger role internationally - a summary of the Strategic Advisory Group of SEWOH.

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Farmers operate a blue and red tractor tilling dry soil in a dusty field under clear skies.

Continent in an uptrend

A report by Dr. Agnes Kalibata (AGRA)

Partnering for Africa’s Century: Innovation and Leadership as Drivers of Growth and Productivity in Rural Areas

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A man in a cap and blazer speaks at a podium during a presentation on small business competition winners.

How do you campaign “Food Systems”?

Interview with Paul Newnham, Director of the SDG 2 Advocacy Hub.

The UN Food Systems pre-Summit in Rome dealt with transforming the ways of our nutrition. How do you bring that to a broad public? Questions to Paul Newnham, the Director of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 Advocacy Hub.

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The image promotes a counter-mobilization event to transform corporate food systems, scheduled for July 25-28, 2021.

Mr. Marí, what happened at the alternative summit?

An Interview with Francisco Marí (Brot für die Welt)

Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World) did not attend the UNFSS pre-summit. Instead, the organisation took part in a counter-summit that took place at the same time. A conversation with Francisco Marí about the reasons, the process - and an outlook for the future

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Women joyfully sell tomatoes and vegetables at a vibrant market stall, highlighted by a striking red and blue overlay.

How can the private sector prevent food loss and waste?

An interview with David Brand (GIZ)

From a circular food system in Rwanda to functioning cooled transports in Kenya: The lab of tomorrow addresses development challenges such as preventing food loss and waste

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A person harvests plants next to a branded sack in a field, emphasizing sustainable farming practices.

From lost products to safe food - Innovations from Zambia

A contribution by GIZ

In Zambia, innovative approaches are used to address the problem of post-harvest losses in the groundnut value chain. GIZ's Rapid Loss Appraisal Tool (RLAT) can help to develop more such approaches.

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Hands arrange multiple circular molds filled with batter, creating a pattern of preparation and culinary artistry.

A Climate of Hunger: How the Climate Crisis Fuels the Hunger

A photo reportage by the Zeitenspiegel agency

Every one degree Celsius rise in temperature increases the risk of conflict by two to ten percent. The climate crisis is a humanitarian crisis, as the photos by Christoph Püschner and Frank Schultze illustrate.

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A group of protesters in Stockholm holds climate change signs during a Fridays for Future event in a sunny park.

‘None of the Three Traffic Light Coalition Parties is Close to the Paris Agreement’

An Interview with Leonie Bremer (FFF)

At the climate conference in Glasgow, activists from various groups protested again – Leonie Bremer from ‘Fridays for Future’ was there too. How can climate protection and development cooperation work hand in hand?

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Illustrations accompany the text "Five tips to reduce food waste" with various food-related icons.

Five tips to reduce food waste

A listicle against food waste

Whether it's banana bread made from brown bananas, conscious shopping plans or foodsharing, we give you five tips on how to reduce your everyday food waste.

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A modern, angular building with geometric windows stands beside flags at the LCOY event, surrounded by autumn trees.

Social justice and climate justice: Fair Vibe at the Youth Climate Conference

At LCOY Germany, the local youth climate conference, views on climate protection from all political spectrums are discussed. The Fairactivists, a programme of Fairtrade Germany, participated with a panel discussion on the link between social justice and climate justice.

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A woman in a red blazer speaks confidently in a modern conference room setting.

Podcast: Fighting world hunger together

Chancellor Angela Merkel in the Podcast of the Federal Government

At the start of World Food Week around World Food Day on 16 October, Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed that the fight against global hunger will only be successful with international responsibility and solidarity (german only).

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