Page 60 - sadc40en

Protocols
The Summit noted that 12 protocols had been ratified and
entered into force, and 11 still need to be ratified. Summit
congratulated the host, United Republic of Tanzania, for
having ratified all protocols.

Gender Equality
Summit noted the progress made by Member States in the promotion of women
representation in political structures, which is gradually increasing, as shown by the
deliberate and gradual increase in the proportion of women in various structures, and
urged Member States to use the forthcoming elections and other opportunities to achieve
the minimum 30 percent women in political and decision-making structures by 2005.

Charter on Fundamental Social Rights
The Charter on Fundamental Social Rights in SADC was signed, calling for closer and
active consultations among partners in a spirit conducive to harmonious labour relations.

Summit and Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security
The SADC Chairperson, President Benjamin W. Mkapa, hosted and chaired an Extra-
Ordinary Summit on 15 May 2004 in Dar es Salaam, on Agriculture and Food Security.
The Summit noted that agriculture is a major sector in SADC, contributing 35 percent
to regional GDP and 13 percent of total export earnings, while 70 percent of the
population depends on agriculture for food, income and employment, yet productivity
50 levels are low.
The Summit adopted the Dar es Salaam Declaration on Agriculture and Food
Security in the SADC Region which reaffirms their commitment to accelerated
agricultural development and sustainable food security through multi-sectoral strategic
interventions. The Declaration identified priority areas for the next two years as well as
medium to long-term actions that include water management and storage, and water-
saving technologies.
On agricultural financing and investment, the Summit called on all
Member States to progressively increase financing to agriculture by
allocating at least 10 percent of the respective national budgets within a
period of five years in line with the African Union Maputo Declaration on
Agriculture and Food Security of July 2003. The Summit urged Member
States to mobilise resources for Agro-processing and strengthen the savings
and credit schemes for agriculture. The Summit agreed to consider
establishing a Regional Food Reserve Facility inclusive of a physical reserve
and a financial facility, and to review Early Warning Systems.
Summit noted the prevalence of gender inequality in the access and
ownership of land, credit facilities and agricultural inputs leading to the
marginalisation of women despite the fact that women constitute 70 percent
of the labour force in agricultural production. The Summit urged Member
States to enact non-discriminatory laws on finance, credit and land, and
promote gender-sensitive technologies, particularly on agro-processing.

SADC Seed Regulations
Plant breeders and seed experts in SADC have developed a new model for regional seed
certification. The Seed Certification and Quality Assurance System, when ratified by
governments will facilitate the movement of seeds across borders. The stakeholders agreed
on the modalities at a technical meeting organised by the SADC Seed Security Network
(SSSN) in Maputo, Mozambique.