AGRA President Calls for Greater Support for Smallholder Farmers

Introduction

In a powerful call to action, AGRA President Alice Ruhweza has emphasized the critical need for increased investments in smallholder farmers across Africa. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, she highlighted how supporting these farmers could transform Africa’s agricultural landscape and unlock a trillion-dollar opportunity by 2030.

Key Points

Background

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has been working for two decades to transform Africa’s agricultural sector. Founded with Kofi Annan as its first board chairman, AGRA has partnered with governments, farmers, and markets across the continent to improve access to quality seeds, soil health solutions, extension services, and policy reforms.

Over the past 20 years, AGRA has supported the release of more than 700 improved crop varieties, many bred to withstand drought, pests, and disease. The organization has also worked with governments and regional bodies to advance seed and fertilizer policy reforms that lower costs and expand access to inputs.

Analysis

Ms. Ruhweza’s statement that “if smallholder farmers were a country, they would be the world’s largest underperforming economy, and its biggest opportunity” underscores the untapped potential in Africa’s agricultural sector. This perspective shifts the narrative from viewing smallholder farmers as beneficiaries of aid to recognizing them as drivers of economic growth.

The research cited by AGRA shows that when farmers cross an annual income threshold of approximately USD 1,200, significant behavioral changes occur. Farmers begin reinvesting in their operations, productivity improves, and agriculture starts functioning as a business rather than just a safety net. This transformation is crucial for creating resilient and investable food systems.

However, farmers operating below break-even cannot sustain new practices or technologies in agricultural production. This highlights the importance of providing adequate support to help farmers cross that critical income threshold.

Practical Advice

For stakeholders interested in supporting smallholder farmers, consider the following approaches:

1. **Invest in agricultural infrastructure**: Support the development of storage facilities, processing centers, and transportation networks to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.

2. **Provide access to finance**: Develop innovative financial products tailored to smallholder farmers’ needs, such as micro-loans, crop insurance, and mobile banking services.

3. **Promote climate-smart agriculture**: Encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices that increase resilience to climate change while improving productivity.

4. **Strengthen extension services**: Invest in farmer education programs that provide training on modern agricultural techniques, business management, and market information.

5. **Advocate for policy reforms**: Support efforts to create enabling policy environments that facilitate agricultural growth and protect smallholder farmers’ interests.

FAQ

Conclusion

The call by AGRA President Alice Ruhweza for greater support for smallholder farmers represents a crucial moment in the development of Africa’s agricultural sector. By recognizing smallholder farmers as key drivers of economic growth and investing in their success, we can unlock the potential of Africa’s food systems to lift millions out of poverty, improve nutrition, and create sustainable prosperity across the continent.

The projected $1 trillion value of Africa’s food system by 2030 is not just a number—it represents real opportunities for farmers, businesses, and communities. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort from governments, investors, and development partners to create an enabling environment for smallholder farmers to thrive.

As we move forward, it’s essential to remember that supporting smallholder farmers is not just about agricultural development—it’s about creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all Africans.