AGRA Report Highlights Critical Need to Boost Farmer Incomes Amid Africa's Agrifood Transformation

A landmark report by AGRA, titled "Africa’s agrifood system transformation and the path ahead," reveals that while the continent has made significant strides in its agricultural systems over the last two decades, the true measure of success must be judged by the earnings of individual farmers. Despite a noteworthy increase in agriculture's gross value-added and a doubling of fertilizer usage across the continent, farmers' incomes continue to lag behind global averages. The report emphasizes that merely scaling current strategies will be insufficient to meet the continent's 2035 agricultural targets, calling instead for a more integrated and collaborative approach between governments, businesses, and researchers.

The findings point to substantial technical progress in strengthening the agrifood infrastructure. Notably, the number of private seed companies in sub-Saharan Africa has surged from just 12 to several hundred, and there has been a significant expansion in the cultivation of drought-tolerant maize. The rise of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the advancement of digital agricultural services have also improved access to essential inputs. However, AGRA warns that these institutional capabilities have not yet translated into high yields or robust financial security for the majority of smallholder farmers, indicating that disparities in value retention remain a primary hurdle.

This call for transformation is currently being echoed on the ground at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, Rwanda. The forum has become a vital hub for over 5,000 stakeholders from 50 countries, including young Ghanaian entrepreneurs like Robben Asare and Abdul-Wahab Ibrahim. These innovators are seeking investment and partnerships for ventures that transform agricultural waste into value-added products, embodying the shift toward the value retention and productivity improvements recommended in the AGRA report. Their participation underscores the growing role of youth-led innovation in addressing the systemic gaps identified by policymakers.

Looking ahead, the path toward a sustainable agrifood system requires a united commitment to enhancing productivity and institutional capabilities over the next 20 years. AGRA’s assessment concludes that while regional trade and policy frameworks have improved, the current trajectory requires a strategic pivot toward ensuring farmer prosperity is at the heart of all interventions. By aligning investment with the needs of young innovators and focusing on direct income growth, Africa can better secure its food future and drive broader economic development.