The African Union summit is meeting at a time when Africa faces great challenges from the possible impact of current developments on the international

Minister of Agriculture (Jamaica), Dr. Christopher Tufton, has said that a restructured Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), would better serve farmers in the country.

Addressing a Farmers' Forum at the Gray's Inn Sports Club in Annotto Bay, St. Mary on June 25, Dr. Tufton said the new RADA structure would have 200 additional staff, including marketing and livestock officers to ensure that proper marketing arrangements are made for farmers and appropriate guidance is provided in respect of animal husbandry.

Collective action on Africa needed

The African Union summit is meeting at a time when Africa faces great challenges from the possible impact of current developments on the international economic scene.

Indeed, the recent encouraging economic performance of Africa is being threatened by global economic emergencies in the food and energy markets and the prospect of stagflation in key industrial economies.

These developments are closely linked with the negative effects of climate change and can undermine political stability and the scaling-up of efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

Since the causes and consequences of these problems are global, the key issue is to use common solutions and benefits of regional and international cooperation to guide and drive national actions.