About Us

COUNTRY-LED, PEOPLE-POWERED

About Us

About Us

Who we are

Sustainably growing Africa’s food systems

AGRA is a proudly African-led institution focused on scaling agricultural innovations that enable smallholder farmers to increase incomes, create better livelihoods, and improve food security. We understand that African farmers need uniquely African solutions to the environmental and agri-food systems challenges they face, enabling us to support them to sustainably boost production and gain access to rapidly growing agricultural markets. AGRA aims to transform the lives of smallholder farmers — from solitary struggle for survival to thriving businesses. Since 2006, we have worked with our partners, governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector businesses, civil society and others to deliver proven solutions to smallholder farmers and African agricultural enterprises. We place smallholders at the center of our agenda, recognizing that they represent the majority of farmers and produce most of the food consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. Their success is essential to achieving sustained economic growth, reducing hunger, and ending poverty. Empowering them to thrive remains our top priority. We focus our work to 12 African countries. Our headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya.

Our mission

Our mission is to catalyze the growth of sustainable food systems across Africa by influencing and leveraging partners to build a robust enabling environment where private sector thrives and smallholder farmers are empowered to produce sufficient, healthy food. We contribute to the continental agenda (CAADP) and SDGs of 1. No poverty, 2. Zero hunger and improved food security and nutrition. 8. Decent work and economic growth, and 13. Climate action.

Our vision

Our vision is to contribute to a food system-inspired inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa, to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and adapt to climate change.

How we are organized

AGRA is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with country offices across 12 priority countries. Our organizational structure reflects our deep commitment to country-led transformation: teams work alongside national institutions to ensure our efforts are grounded in local realities and aligned with country priorities.

Our work is delivered through an integrated model of technical expertise that combines four core areas—seed systems and the Center of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA), sustainable farming, inclusive markets and trade, and policy and state capability.

Through these we address the root constraints faced by smallholder farmers and agri-food systems. We integrate climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and resilience to ensure AGRA’s work responds to emerging risks and long-term sustainability goals. By aligning these technical areas with national priorities, AGRA supports country-led change narratives that build resilience in agricultural production while improving both market functionality and access. This systems-based approach, delivered in close partnership with governments and local institutions, drives lasting, inclusive transformation across the agriculture sector.

Cross-cutting themes—including climate resilience, nutrition, and gender and youth inclusion—are embedded throughout our approach, reinforcing long-term impact and inclusive growth across Africa’s agricultural transformation journey. Their integration not only ensures that interventions are equitable and sustainable, but also unlocks innovation, strengthens productivity, and enhances the overall resilience and responsiveness of agri-food systems.