Libreville, Gabon — Agriculture minister Pacôme Kossy on 20 February told staff of the state food-safety agency Agasa that the body sits at the core of national food-security policy, according to local reports. During a working session at the agency’s headquarters, Kossy said the growth of crop and livestock chains depends on an integrated approach that links on-farm production with upstream and downstream checks, particularly sanitary and phytosanitary controls. “Agasa is an essential tool for developing agro-pastoral value chains, because it ensures that food eaten by Gabonese is fit for consumption,” he was quoted as saying.
Director — general Jean Delors Biyogue Bi Ntougou presented the agency’s 2026 plan, branded “the year of impact. ” He outlined three pillars: building a credible agency, making its voice heard, and transforming hygiene practices.
The programme targets outreach to 22,000 households on safe food handling at home.
Official statements indicate that managers raised staffing shortfalls, unpaid social — security liabilities, and logistics gaps as current constraints. Kossy replied that “teamwork is the recipe for success” and added that “our results speak for themselves.
” Further details are expected when the ministry releases its annual agriculture sector review next month.
