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Meet Lyna: From a Smallholder Farmer to Chairlady of an Aggregation Cooperative

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After two hours of driving under the scorching sun in Kitui Rural, we finally arrived at the Kamantho Farmers Marketing Cooperative Society warehouse, the only aggregation store in the region, located in the heart of the village market. Initially established as a self-help group in 2020 and later registered as a Community-Based Organisation (CBO), the Cooperative now serves over 305 registered members and about 2500 non-members from Maleku, Kamantho, and Nthongoni locations.

Ms. Nzambia and an employee confirm the weight of a farmer’s produce at the Cooperative Premises

We were greeted at the Kamantho premises, an imposing building sitting on about one acre of land, by Lyna Judy Nzambia, the cooperative’s chairperson, and several of her committee members. Lyna, a wife, and mother of four, initially employed conventional practices that depleted soil health and fertility. Living in a semi-arid area plagued by the effects of climate change and water scarcity, she struggled to harvest more than two bags of green grams per acre. Faced with poor yields and creeping poverty, she was forced to sell her meager produce to brokers who often exploited her, leaving her in a worse situation.

However, a silver lining emerged in 2020 when the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), an implementing partner of the Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture in Kenya (STRAK) project, introduced regenerative agriculture to the area, challenging conventional norms. STRAK is a project of AGRA with funding from the IKEA Foundation. Lyna and her fellow farmers underwent training on regenerative agriculture practices that restore soil health, improve crop yields, and increase farmers’ income. They also received training on post-harvest handling, entrepreneurship, self-help groups, and aggregation of farm produce.

Regenerative agriculture transformed into a philosophy, reshaping the connection between the land and its stewards. Lyna, driven by a commitment that surpassed her fields and armed with knowledge in entrepreneurship, self-help groups, and aggregation, started an Agrovet shop and spearheaded the formation of the Kamantho Farmers Marketing Cooperative Society self-help group. She was elected the chair lady when they registered as a Community-Based Organisation (CBO). She not only focused on cultivating land regeneratively but also on collective marketing strategies to get their produce the best market and price.

The introduction of regenerative agriculture for the growth of certified seeds, drought-resistant crops such as pearl millet and white sorghum, as well as other value chains for livelihood resilience, marked the birth of a new era for Lyna and the members of the newly registered Kamantho cooperative. They immediately started deploying the new practices, and the community was pleasantly surprised by the results. Lyna reports seeing grain yields increase from two to six bags of green grams per acre. They went from getting a mere sh40 per kilo of green grams to sh100 for the same.

Soon after, the cooperative rented a small room at the marketplace, becoming a unified voice that negotiated fair prices for their harvest. However, the room soon proved too small for the growing collections from the three locations. Towards the end of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the county government, recognizing the cooperative’s commitment and impact, partnered with other organizations to help them build a bigger storage facility on the unused community land in the heart of the village market. Yet, the cooperative faced skepticism from the villagers over the land.

Initially, they refused to allow the warehouse to be built, but through Lyna’s resilience coupled with the lobbying of the elders and the area chief, they eventually secured the one-acre plot for the warehouse with the support of the community. Non-members of the cooperative are paid upon delivery of produce, while members are paid after aggregation and a market has been found.

The impact of regenerative agriculture continues, and community development is profound. It has become a catalyst for economic growth, improved education, and enhanced living standards for the people of Kamantho. Children who had dropped out of school are back, and many of them are achieving grades that allow them to join universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. Families are also building permanent houses and moving from their previous grass-thatched dwellings. Community members reported that households are happier and more stable.

“You no longer find women walking around wrapped in lesos around their waist looking desolate. They are looking sharp and happier than before, taking great care of their families, and many more want to join the cooperative as members,” stated Lyna.

Lyna’s story transcends higher yields; it’s a narrative of cultivating hope, restoring ecosystems, and fostering community resilience and unity. Her leadership exemplifies how embracing regenerative agriculture can be the cornerstone of sustainable and thriving communities, where the land and its people heal together. As we celebrate Lyna’s achievements, let her story inspire others to sow the seeds of positive change, one regenerative practice at a time.

AGRA Appoints Alice Ruhweza as next President

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Nairobi, 10th January 2025 – The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is proud to announce the appointment of Alice Ruhweza as its next President, effective March 1st, 2025. This appointment follows a thorough and comprehensive selection process in partnership with Spencer Stuart. The incoming president, Alice Ruhweza will succeed Dr. Agnes Kalibata, who has successfully led AGRA through two transformative terms.

Alice Ruhweza brings extensive expertise as a Global Thought leader, a Systems Thinker and International Development Expert.  Her 28-year career, working at the intersection of economic, social and environmental policy and practice, encompasses leadership and board roles in Government, the private sector, the United Nations, and major international NGOs. She joins us from the World Wide Fund for Nature where she has been a passionate advocate for, among other things, the critical role that inclusive agri-food systems play in combatting climate change, reversing environmental degradation, and delivering nutrition security and improved livelihoods for millions of Africans. Her leadership will be instrumental in driving AGRA’s mission to catalyze agricultural transformation and food security across Africa.

Quote from Board Chair:

‘’We are excited to welcome Alice Ruhweza as AGRA’s next President. Her extensive international experience and profound understanding of the African landscape equip her to navigate diverse cultures and drive collaboration across sectors. We believe she has what it takes to build on the solid foundation Dr. Agnes Kalibata established and developed. The Board is looking to her leadership to galvanize sector actors and foster a collaborative, results-oriented, and participatory culture that AGRA aspires to. As we face unprecedented challenges, her guidance will ensure that we remain a listening, engaging institution demonstrating progress and supporting countries in expediting their development,” said AGRA’s Board Chair, H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn.

Quote from Outgoing President:

 “As I transition from my role as President of AGRA, I reflect with immense pride on our transformative journey over the past ten years. The support of the board, partners, and staff has been instrumental in building AGRA into a leading African institution with a strong set of transferable assets that it is deploying to achieve the results we celebrate today. AGRA is now in a strong position to meet the challenges ahead and the expectation to do more for small-holder farmers.  I am excited to pass the torch to Alice Ruhweza, whose leadership will drive us forward. I look forward to working with you all to support Alice and AGRA to achieve even greater heights. “ said Dr. Agnes Kalibata.

Quote from Incoming President:

“Agri- food systems are Africa’s biggest lever for economic growth, job creation, livelihood improvement and in addressing climate change. However, the agricultural sector is still at risk from economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and other complex crises.

For Africa to achieve its goal of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, the next five years demand urgency, ambition, and decisive action including bold investments in research and development, innovative technologies, inclusive, climate smart and environmental friendly farming practices, more comprehensive extension services and policy frameworks that are coherent and aligned.

I am honored to join AGRA at such a critical juncture as African leaders convene to adopt the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, or CAADP, strategy and action plan for 2026-2035. I look forward to building on Dr. Agnes Kalibata’s achievements and collaborating with our partners, stakeholders, and the dedicated members of the AGRA Board and Staff to advance our shared vision of a food-secure Africa in service of small holder farmers.” – Alice Ruhweza

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution dedicated to placing smallholder farmers at the core of the continent’s burgeoning economy. AGRA’s mission is to transform agriculture from a mere struggle for survival into a thriving business. In collaboration with its partners, AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 12 countries.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Aggie Konde

Director – Communications, External Engagement & Advocacy

akonde@agra.org

Ethiopia: Reflecting on Agricultural Transformation under CAADP

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A History of Commitment and Leadership

Ethiopia’s steadfast alignment with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring food security for its population. This alignment is seamlessly integrated into national development strategies such as the Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP I & II) and the 10-Year National Development Plan, positioning Ethiopia as a pioneer in agricultural innovation and transformation (Ministry of Agriculture, 2024).

“These frameworks are more than policies; they represent Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to creating a sustainable agricultural future,” remarks Mr. Zena Habtewold, Senior Adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture and CAADP Focal Person. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 solidifies its reputation as a leader in Africa’s agricultural renaissance, setting an exemplary model for other nations.

Progress, Lessons Learned, and Future Opportunities

Ethiopia, a land of rich agricultural traditions, has emerged as a pioneer in Africa’s agricultural transformation. Through the framework of CAADP—an ambitious initiative by the African Union—Ethiopia has achieved remarkable milestones while addressing complex challenges.

This article reflects on Ethiopia’s progress, lessons learned, and future opportunities, using insights from the 2024 Biennial Review Report to highlight how the nation aligns with CAADP’s six strategic goals.

 Achievements Aligned with CAADP’s Six Strategic Goals

  1. Increased Agricultural Productivity

Ethiopia’s Irrigated Wheat Program has transformed its agricultural landscape. In Adama, for instance, 35-year-old farmer Getahun Tadesse recounts how adopting large-scale irrigation doubled his wheat yield in just two seasons. Programs like this have reduced Ethiopia’s wheat import dependency by 35%, proving the nation’s capacity for innovation.
Yet, challenges remain. Smallholder farmers like Getahun still face barriers to accessing irrigation technology. According to the 4th Biennial Review Report, Ethiopia scored 5.89/10 in productivity signaling progress but also underscoring the need for inclusivity.

“The success of our wheat program shows Ethiopia’s ability to innovate and collaborate across sectors,” says Zena Habtewold, “Equitable growth demands integrating smallholder farmers into these initiatives.”

  1. Halving Poverty Through Agriculture

Ethiopia’s Coffee Sector Expansion Initiative planted 40 billion seedlings, transforming the livelihoods of over 15 million smallholder farmers. Among them is Alemnesh Bekele, a mother of three from Sidama, who used proceeds from her coffee harvest to build a permanent home.

Despite such success stories, rural poverty persists, especially in areas with limited market access. Targeted strategies are essential to empower farmers like Alemnesh to thrive in global markets. Indicators in the Biennial Review reflect mixed progress, emphasizing the need for stronger market linkages and financial inclusion.

  1. Tackling Hunger and Malnutrition

Initiatives like Lemat Trufat (Bounty of the Basket) have brought diverse foods to rural households, improving food security. For instance, in Borena, community leader Ahmed Abdella notes how introducing drought-resistant crops like sorghum has stabilized food supplies during lean seasons.

Despite a 6.1/10 score in hunger reduction, Ethiopia still struggles with malnutrition, especially in drought-prone regions. To address this, Ahmed suggests tailored interventions, including region-specific nutrition programs and social safety nets.

“Fighting malnutrition isn’t just about ensuring food availability. It’s about delivering the right resources to the right communities,” reflects Zena Habtewold.

  1. Building Resilient Food Systems

Through the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia has planted over 25 billion trees, reclaiming degraded lands and promoting biodiversity. In Amhara, Mulugeta Tesfaye, a forestry technician, describes how tree planting has turned barren hills into lush forests, boosting the region’s climate resilience.

To sustain these achievements, Ethiopia must develop monitoring frameworks that measure long-term socio-economic and ecological impacts.

  1. Boosting Intra-African Trade

Ethiopia’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) demonstrates its commitment to regional trade. However, logistical challenges persist. For example, Hirut Gebremariam, a farmer from Bale, struggles to transport her surplus produce due to poor road infrastructure.

In a success story from AfCFTA, Ethiopia recently exported coffee and livestock to Kenya and Djibouti, generating record revenues. These efforts underscore how regional trade can unlock opportunities for smallholder farmers.

“AfCFTA has the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Africa, and Ethiopia is at the forefront of this movement,” says Alemayehu Geda, a trade economist at Addis Ababa University.

  1. Strengthened Governance

Ethiopia has made strides in governance and accountability under CAADP. Initiatives to improve data systems and transparency are taking root, but challenges remain. Strengthening participatory policymaking and building robust data frameworks are critical for sustaining momentum.

“Strong governance is the backbone of agricultural transformation,” emphasizes Zena Habtewold. “Our next steps must prioritize building robust systems to track progress effectively.”

Lessons Learned

  • Inclusivity Drives Sustainability: Engaging women and youth, like Alemnesh and Ahmed, has proven transformative. Scaling these efforts requires tailored policies and sustained investment.
  • Innovation is Key: While digital tools have improved productivity, they remain inaccessible to many smallholders. Bridging this gap is crucial.
  • Policy Alignment Works: Ethiopia’s alignment with CAADP’s objectives demonstrates the power of collaboration and strategic planning.

Opportunities for Future Progress

  • Expand Digital Agriculture: Leverage affordable digital technologies to bridge productivity gaps in underserved areas. Programs like Digital Farming Solutions, piloted in Tigray, offer promising models for expanding smallholder access to precision agriculture tools.
  • Address Regional Disparities: Implement targeted interventions in marginalized regions to reduce poverty and malnutrition.
  • Strengthen Climate Resilience: Scale up climate-smart practices and expand reforestation initiatives to ensure sustainable agriculture.

Call to Action

As Ethiopia prepares for the 2025 CAADP Summit, the following priorities must take center stage:

  • Reaffirming Commitments: Deepen alignment with CAADP’s six strategic goals.
  • Investing in Innovation: Ensure smallholders access digital tools and climate-smart technologies.
  • Fostering Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations to accelerate progress and share knowledge.

Ethiopia’s journey under CAADP reflects the transformative power of inclusive and innovative agricultural practices. By addressing critical gaps—such as integrating smallholder farmers, improving infrastructure, and enhancing market access—Ethiopia can cement its role as a leader in Africa’s agricultural transformation. This is more than a story of progress; it is a vision for a food-secure and prosperous Africa, driven by resilience, innovation, and inclusivity.

Story of Lucas Caruana

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  1. What inspired you to venture into agriculture at such a young age?

My name is Lucas Caruana Quilavilene and I am 41 years old. I was a farmer but not with correct procedures and I was selling products at the local market. Then in 2014 I started my journey into farming as business with the project PRONSANI implemented by ADRA under AGRA funds, after completing my secondary school and since I couldn’t get to university because of funds. I entered as a simple member of a farmer’s group and then I was chosen for VBA training, where I was thought how to aggregate produce, increase production, sensitize farmers and other good things. I liked the training and since as doing small businesses, I started following the recommendations.

  1. Can you share some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your agribusiness and how you overcame them?

I used to have issues with working capital, but I started saving my money and I invested more and more. I also had issues with warehousing facility, then I had to build my small warehouse of 50 MT. The project also helped me to have 30 days loan at Casa do Agricultor.

  1. What innovative practices or technologies are you using in your agribusiness operations?

I have been using new varieties that give higher yield compared to the ones I use to use before. I also started using fertilizer and agrochemicals for maize, particularly.

  1. How has support from AGRA impacted your journey and success as an agri-preneur?

After being trained as VBA, they also gave me opportunity of becoming an agro-dealer, since we did not have one at my village. I linked to inputs supplying companies, in Mocuba it was Casa do Agricultor (for seed and other inputs) and ETG (for agrochemicals). Today I am able to sell about 500MT of maize seed and other inputs, from which I get $7,000 to $ 10,000 per season as gross margin. I also aggregate maize grain, cassava, sesame and pigeon peas

  1. Can you describe a breakthrough moment in your business that made you realize you were on the right path?

I got it when I started by business as agro-dealer and aggregator, and I was able to increase my farm and build my house.

  1. How do you think young people can be encouraged to pursue careers in agriculture?

I encourage young people to venture in agriculture through training via demonstration plots and also working with them as part of my aggregators. I am currently working with 50 youth and 60% are women.

  1. What role do you see for sustainability and environmental stewardship in modern agriculture?

I always support other farmers with new technologies, showing them via demonstration plot and field days. I am currently the only one at my village and I work with about 300 farmers and 50 youth, including 60% women.

  1. How have you managed to balance traditional farming techniques with modern agricultural advancements?

I have been getting better yield because of using improved varieties of maize seed.

  1. What advice would you give to other young people interested in entering the agricultural sector?

I would recommend the young people to start with a small farm and then develop. I built my house within three months, this has show others that agriculture can give money.

  1. What are your future plans and goals for your agribusiness, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I am registered my shop as an agro-dealer and concluding the registration process. I am planning to increase my warehouse, and I will be saving more and then investing.

World Soil Day: A Landmark First For Soil Health In Mali

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Soils are the foundation of all life on Earth. They sustain biodiversity, provide nutrients, regulate water cycles, and are central to food security. Recognizing their critical importance, AGRA, in partnership with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and the Ministry of Agriculture, hosted Mali’s first-ever event specifically dedicated to soils, in celebration of World Soil Day. This landmark initiative focused on preserving the health of arid and semi-arid soils, with the theme: “Nourish the Earth, Secure the Future.”

A Collaborative Effort for Soil Health

The event, supported through the Soil Values Program, highlighted the increasing degradation of soils, with an alarming 65% of land in the Sahel already affected. It underscored the urgency of collaborative and innovative solutions to restore soil health, safeguard agricultural productivity, and combat food insecurity.

The forum, chaired by Mali’s Minister of Agriculture, brought together policymakers, technical experts, development partners, and private sector stakeholders. Discussions were enriched by expert panels and roundtable exchanges, offering a comprehensive platform to address soil health and its implications for agricultural transformation.

Key Recommendations for Action

The panels and discussions produced actionable recommendations to guide Mali’s soil health initiatives, including:

  1. Establishing a platform for dialogue among soil experts and affiliated stakeholders to facilitate knowledge exchange.
  2. Creating synergies of action among stakeholders to collaboratively restore degraded lands.
  3. Updating Mali’s soil mapping to provide accurate data for decision-making and land management.
  4. Developing targeted policies to address land tenure, soil health, and the sustainable use of non-timber forest products.
  5. Investing in action research on soils to promote sustainable land management practices.

A Call to Action for Sustainable Soil Management

In his address, the Minister of Agriculture emphasized that sustainable soil management is not only an environmental necessity but also a socio-economic and humanitarian imperative. The forum provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of soils in achieving Mali’s food security and agricultural sustainability goals, as outlined in the Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizers and Soil Health in Africa.

A Commitment to the Future

This inaugural event was more than a celebration—it was a call to action. AGRA and IFDC reaffirmed their commitment to fostering innovation, capacity-building, and partnerships that prioritize soil health. By aligning national strategies with regional and international initiatives, Mali is taking decisive steps toward transforming its agricultural systems for resilience and sustainability.

World Soil Day 2024 was a significant milestone, marking the beginning of a dedicated national focus on soil health in Mali. Together, let us preserve and regenerate our soils, ensuring they continue to nourish our present and future generations.

 

A Visionary Agripreneur: How Abrhame Endrias and Lersha are Redefining Ethiopian Agriculture

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“Our vision is to make farming simple, efficient, and accessible for everyone. We believe agriculture is the gateway to a better future for Africa.”

These words, often repeated by Abrhame  Endrias, the 38-year-old Founder and Managing Director of Green Agro Solutions (GAS), are more than an ambition—they are a commitment to revolutionizing farming in Ethiopia. With a background in Business Management from Addis Ababa University, Abrhame transformed from a teacher into a trailblazing entrepreneur driven by a desire to empower smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.

Growing up, Abraham’s father, an agricultural professional, often brought home reports and research papers, sharing insights about Ethiopia’s farming challenges.

“One of the biggest issues farmers face is a lack of timely and accurate information,” his father would explain. These early conversations planted the seeds of Abrhame’s lifelong mission to transform agriculture. After graduating, Abraham began his career as a teacher. However, financial constraints and his entrepreneurial ambition led him to start a small electronics business. This early venture laid the foundation for his eventual leap into agriculture-focused entrepreneurship.

Through his groundbreaking platform, Lersha—meaning “for farming” in Amharic—Abrhame is bridging the gap between tradition and technology, empowering communities and fostering resilience.

Abrhame Endrias,
Founder and Managing Director of Green Agro Solutions (GAS)

From Humble Beginnings to Bold Leadership

Abrhame Endrias’ path to entrepreneurship was filled with challenges. He tried his hand at the electronics trade, navigating unpredictable markets and scarce resources. The setbacks only strengthened his resolve to succeed.

In 2014, with a vision to create a lasting impact, Abrhame made a daring choice: he mortgaged his family home to secure a loan. “It was the hardest decision of my life, but I knew I had to risk everything to achieve my dreams,” he says.

That leaps of faith led to Green Agro Solutions (GAS) and, in 2018, the launch of Lersha, a platform revolutionizing agriculture. Today, Lersha supports over 241,000 farmers across Ethiopia with tools, resources, and market access.

“The journey was tough, ” Abrhame recalls, “but I believed in the transformative power of agriculture. For me, it is more than just a business—it is a mission to make farming accessible and profitable for all.”

Lersha employs an innovative “phygital” model, combining digital tools with personalized support to deliver practical solutions to farmers. Its core services include:

  • Mechanization: Providing modern equipment for efficient land preparation and harvesting.
  • Market Linkages: Connecting farmers directly to buyers with transparent pricing.
  • Climate-Smart Advisories: Offering real-time updates to manage unpredictable weather.
  • Financial Inclusion: Enabling access to loans and building financial literacy.

 

Lersha Call center to facilitate transactions with farmers

 

Unlocking Potential: Impact of Lersha

By 2023, Lersha had expanded to six Ethiopian regions, including Amhara, Oromia, and Sidama, and initiated pilot projects in Kenya. The platform processed 12,000 mechanization requests and sent 2 million SMS advisories in local languages—an achievement that underscores its scalability and impact.

But Lersha’s success is best reflected in personal stories from Ethiopia:

  • Meseret, a single mother in the Oromia region, doubled her wheat yield using Lersha’s mechanization services. “Lersha gave me the tools to succeed. Now, I harvest with confidence,” she says.
  • Dereje, a young farmer in the Tigray region, transitioned from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture with Lersha’s financial tools. “This platform is not just technology; it’s empowerment,” he adds.

These stories highlight how innovative tools can unlock potential and turn barriers into opportunities.

Strategic Collaboration with AGRA

At the AGRA Ethiopia joint results review (JRR) Meeting in Adama, stakeholders—including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX)—discussed strategies to align investments with grassroots realities. A visit to the Dina Food Complex provided a firsthand look at how establishing linkages with processors plays a role in transforming agriculture. Processing 194 metric tons daily of wheat, maize, and teff, Dina offers a blueprint for integrating smallholder farmers into formal markets. “Dina exemplifies how anchor firms can drive agricultural transformation,” Abrhame observed.

AGRA has been instrumental in the success of Lersha, addressing critical challenges like pre and post-harvesting system development, technology introduction, and access to market link with farmers with producers anchor firms (off-takers). By integrating post-harvest technologies, the platform ensures farmers maximize the value of their produce while minimizing waste. AGRA’s collaboration extends to anchor firms like Dina, connecting them to financial resources and creating a more resilient ecosystem.

At the JRR meeting noted above, “System-level investments must be flexible to learn from grassroots realities and experiences, and landscape level investments in support of some of the activities of partners such as GAS should also be carefully packaged to inform deliberations at the systems level” said Dr. Yihenew Zewdie, AGRA Ethiopia Country Director. “This is about more than tools— dignity, resilience, and ensuring no farmer are neglacted.”

Scaling for a Transformational Future

Abraham elucidates, “Ethiopia is home to 16 million smallholder farming households, underscoring the immense demand for platforms like Lersha.” Despite its achievements, the platform faces challenges, such as limited mechanization providers and fluctuating market demands. However, having already reached 241,000 users, Lersha demonstrates the potential for creating synergy with the government, private sector, international research institutions, academia, and multinational organizations. These partnerships are crucial for scaling its impact, not only in Ethiopia but across other African nations.

Lersha has ambitious plans for the future. By 2027, the company aims to support 1 million active users, extend its reach, and incorporate AI-powered precision farming tools into its offerings. For Abrhame, this mission is deeply personal: “We are not just growing crops—we are cultivating hope, resilience, and prosperity for Ethiopia and beyond.

A Blueprint for Agricultural Transformation of Africa

The story of Abraham Endrias and Lersha exemplifies how innovation, resilience, and collaboration can transform agriculture. It demonstrates how multi-stakeholder partnerships—anchored by nationally owned frameworks and programmatic responses transform Ethiopia’s agricultural future. Dr Yihenew Zewdie concluded at the Adama meeting, “Together, we hold the unique responsibility to ensure a food-secure future for Ethiopia. Let us chart a path toward greater resilience and impact.”

For farmers like Meseret and Dereje, Lersha is more than just a platform—it is a pathway to transformation. Supporting leaders like transformative platforms like Lersha is more than an investment—it is a leap toward a resilient, inclusive, and food-secure Africa.

 

AGRA’s Strategic Mission to Somalia: Paving the Way for Agricultural Transformation

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Mogadishu, Somalia, 4th December 2024… An AGRA led delegation just concluded an inaugural 3-day mission to Somalia, underscoring the commitment to revitalizing the country’s agri-food sector. The mission culminated with a key meeting with Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Hon. Mohamed Maareeye. This high-level engagement focused on mobilizing investment for the implementation of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP, 2025-2029), addressing systemic issues affecting agriculture sector (seed system, farmer advisory services, resilience, market and trade, finance, policy and institutional capacity), and fostering economic growth.

During the courtesy meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Jama emphasized the critical need for AGRA’s support in mobilizing investments to drive the NTP forward. The government’s vision encompasses not only addressing the structural challenges within Somalia’s agri-food sector but also leveraging agriculture—which constitutes 71% of the GDP—to spur economic growth and create employment opportunities for the youth, who make up 75% of the population.

The AGRA delegation led by the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Prof Jean Jacques M. Muhinda laid the groundwork for a robust collaboration roadmap.  As an entry point, both parties agreed to jointly develop a flagship program aligned with Somalia’s NTP priorities, aimed at attracting investment from both public and private sectors.

Prof Muhinda said, “The NTP program will serve as a cornerstone for Somalia’s agricultural transformation, ensuring sustainability and resilience. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, we identified several key areas for partnership. Such as Strengthening Seed Systems, Sector Coordination Mechanisms, Agricultural Data Systems, Leadership Cultivation and National Agriculture Investment Plan.”

AGRA’s will walk with the Government of Somalia for them to realize their vision for a vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector. “We shall leverage AGRA’s expertise and resources, to support Somalia’s journey towards economic recovery and food security. This mission marks a significant step in reshaping the narrative around Somalia’s economic recovery, highlighting the potential for growth and resilience within the agri-food sector,” said Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Hon. Mohamed Maareeye.

With a shared commitment to addressing systemic issues and promoting sustainable growth, AGRA and the Government of Somalia are poised to drive transformative change, benefiting millions of Somalis and contributing to the nation and region’s long-term prosperity.

Cultivating Confidence: The Journey of Innovation and Trust Quincewood has taken on in Tanzania

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“It isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about giving voice to those who feed our nations,” declared  Fatma Fernandes, the founder of Quincewood, as she began her presentation at the Seed Stakeholders Learning Event in Kampala.

In 2021, we profiled Quincewood, a trailblazing AgTech company from Tanzania, driven by a simple yet transformative mission: to restore dignity to farming and empower those who feed our nations. At the time, the company had just begun to redefine agricultural systems through it’s innovative platforms. Three years later, the Quincewood story has fast evolved into a beacon of growth and resilience, with its roots firmly planted in its founding idea: farmers deserve better than uncertainty – and that trust, dignity, and connection must be at the heart of every solution.

The Problem: An Agricultural Crisis of Trust

Tanzania’s farmers are the backbone of the nation, feeding millions despite facing daily challenges. These challenges often aren’t due to a lack of effort or skill but stem from an absence of trust, trust in seeds, data, insurance, and markets. In Tanzania, more and more land is being cultivated for agriculture to meet increasing food demands from a rapidly expanding population. Two-thirds of Tanzania’s population work in agriculture making it a mainstay of the economy, with small scale farmers dominating food production. Due to the high demand for seeds and pesticides, challenges arise in the purchase of seeds with some farmers unfortunately buying counterfeit or recycled seeds which they are made to believe  are the potentially higher-yielding hybrid seeds.

Counterfeit seeds, unpredictable weather, and unreliable markets create uncertainty; and uncertainty is costly: crops fail, incomes dwindle, and entire communities suffer. For Fatma and her team, solving these problems meant addressing the root cause, restoring trust.

The Solution: Bridging Technology and Trust

The eHakiki Verification System has been a central solution to the gaps they identified—a revolutionary tool that enables farmers to verify the authenticity of their seeds through a simple mobile interaction. Quincewood’s eHakiki technology is the first government-backed verification platform to be implemented nationwide and adopted by the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI). The e-verification system supplements the government’s in-person inspections to reduce fraud, improve farm productivity, increase farmer income, and strengthen trust in and sustainability of agro-input suppliers.

Quincewood’s flagship innovation, the eHakiki Verification System, provides farmers with confidence in the authenticity of seeds through a simple, user-friendly process. When farmers purchase seeds, each package comes with a unique QR code. Beneath a scratch-off foil, a voucher ID is hidden. Farmers can use their mobile phones to input this ID through the USSD code 14852#. Within moments, the system verifies whether the seeds are authentic, offering farmers immediate confirmation and ensuring they plant with confidence.

Fatma credits grants from AGRA with the support of Mastercard Foundation complemented by Quincewood’s own investment as having been critical in demonstrating the viability of the e-verification system, now five years in.

The Impact: Numbers That Speak Volumes

Quincewood has grown incredibly, reaching over 450,000 farmers who now verify their seeds through eHakiki. “These aren’t just numbers, they represent families planting with confidence, transforming their farms into sustainable enterprises” said Fatma Fernandes. Through the Wakala Digital Platform, Quincewood’s reach has expanded to include live dashboards and real-time analytics, enabling stakeholders to monitor the registration and performance of agro-dealers, SMEs, VBAs, and farmers. This integration has led to:

  • Enhanced traceability of inputs, ensuring accountability from seed companies to farmers.
  • Real-time decision-making for stakeholders using performance metrics and geographic data.
  • Reduced counterfeit seeds in the market, boosting farmer trust and crop yields.

Quincewood’s Digital Extension Services now provide targeted advice on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), weather forecasts, pest alerts, and financial literacy. Farmers no longer navigate these challenges alone, they have a trusted partner guiding them through each season.

Quincewood’s collaboration with TOSCI (Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute) demonstrates how partnerships can drive systemic change. Together, they’ve reduced counterfeit seeds, improved traceability, and cut costs for seed companies. By leveraging digital tools, they’re also advancing Tanzania’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For Fatma, the journey isn’t over. “Real innovation isn’t about disruption; it’s about connection,” she emphasizes. Quincewood’s focus on sustainability, youth empowerment, and gender equality ensures that its impact will endure. By mentoring the next generation, integrating STEM education into agriculture, and building digital bridges between tradition and innovation, Quincewood is cultivating not just crops but a new vision for African agriculture, one rooted in trust, dignity, and boundless possibility.

As Fatma concluded in Kampala: “When young people see agriculture through the lens of technology, they don’t just see farms; they see frontiers.”

The AAYS Strategy Regional Dialogue Series: East Africa

Posted on by AGRA

Can the African Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) become the blueprint for meaningful youth inclusion in agribusiness in East Africa? The answer is a resounding yes!

The Africa Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with AGRA and the East African Community organised the AAYS East African Regional Dialogue in Kampala, Uganda in mid-November. The forum convened young agripreneurs, government representatives, and development partners to align on a shared vision of positioning youth at the centre of agricultural development across the African continent.

70 Percent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30, providing a unique chance to tap into the region’s youth and harness its energy. However, with 15 million youth in Africa joining the job market every year and only 3 million jobs available, the challenges are unavoidable.

The Director of Agriculture and Rural Development at the AUC, Dr Godfrey Bahiigwa, was among the keynote speakers who emphasised the youth’s potential in agricultural development.

“Agenda 2063 is the AU’s strategic framework for socio-economic transformation across Africa. Aspiration 6 emphasises an ‘Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth,’” he noted.

The dialogue also highlighted the AUC’s 1 Million Next Level Initiative, which aims to provide opportunities for 300 million African youth by 2030 across five key pillars: Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Engagement, and Health & Wellbeing. This initiative complements the AAYS by ensuring that youth not only find their place in agribusiness but are empowered to lead and innovate within the sector.

One constant discovery throughout the discussion was youth awareness—or lack thereof—of frameworks such as CAADP (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program).  CAADP was created to foster agricultural sector investments in African countries with the goal of promoting agricultural growth, food security, and poverty reduction. It provides a framework for governments to design policies and strategies that will support long-term agricultural development.  Many young people in the region are unaware of how these frameworks influence the opportunities available in agribusiness. This knowledge gap must be closed if youth are to properly participate and benefit from measures such as the AAYS.

The AAYS offers governments a practical framework for developing youth-friendly policies while tackling structural constraints such as access to land, money, and markets. For the youth, it provides a pathway to becoming active participants in agribusiness and having a voice in defining their future. The strategy’s use of clear indicators also assures alignment with CAADP targets, giving a transparent system for tracking progress and accountability.

East Africa has significantly fertile lands and well-developed agricultural markets, which provide the ground for the effective deployment of the AAYS. Currently, agriculture is still the most dominant sector in East Africa, contributing 30 % of the GDP and providing employment to 65% of the population, hence making it the most appropriate sector for youthful innovation.

Through this dialogue, the participating regions demonstrated their support for diversity, integration, and implementation. The strategies developed in Kampala will be useful for guaranteeing that East Africa’s performance goes beyond CAADP benchmarks.

CESSA Leads Collaborative Efforts to Transform Seed Systems in Africa

Posted on by AGRA

Seed systems are the cornerstone of agricultural transformation and a critical driver of food security, economic development, and climate resilience in Africa. However, despite the immense potential, the continent’s seed sector remains underdeveloped, which has limited productivity and threatened efforts to improve food security. To address the challenge, the Center of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA) hosted at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) held a Seed Industry Stakeholders Learning Event in Kampala, Uganda from 24th to 29th November 2024.

The event, themed: “Cultivating Knowledge: Advancing Seed Systems Through Collaboration and Innovation,” brought together stakeholders from the seed sector in 12 African countries to share best practices and develop collaborations to address the challenges bedeviling the seed sector.

Speaking at the opening Session of the learning event, Mr. Jonathan Said, Vice President, Center for Technical Expertise, AGRA, highlighted the importance of collaborations in addressing challenges in the seed sector in Africa. “True coordination comes from working together to solve specific problems, not just within government or the private sector, but by bridging gaps across research, policy, and industry,” Mr. Said stated. “The collaboration needed in the seed sector is about understanding the challenges faced by our colleagues in other domains and forming a unified effort to strengthen the entire system,” he emphasized.

AGRA, through CESSA, is working with African governments to enhance seed systems, drive agricultural transformation and improve livelihoods. Some of the interventions include training 653 breeders, supporting the establishment of 110 small and medium-sized seed companies, advocating policy reforms, and developing digital tools for better seed quality control.

Dr. George Bigirwa, the Director, CESSA, highlighted AGRA’s work in advocating policy reforms to support the growth and development of seed systems in Africa. “AGRA’s policy initiatives focus on liberalizing production of early generation seeds that enable both public and private entities to meet the growing demand for diverse and adaptable seed varieties,” Dr. Bigirwa said.

AGRA is working with regulatory agencies to support the development of robust seed quality standards to ensure farmers get access to high-quality seeds. This has encouraged private sector investment and increased the release of numerous climate-smart and resilient varieties which has contributed to increased crop yields and improved farmer incomes.

AGRA has developed the Seed System Assessment Tool (SeedSAT), an innovative approach that provides a structured approach for governments and other stakeholders to systematically identify gaps and weaknesses in national seed systems across various thematic areas. The SeedSAT gives a framework for structured assessment, thereby facilitating data-driven decisions and targeted interventions to strengthen seed production, distribution, and adoption.

“Through the insights gained from SeedSAT, governments and organizations can identify priority areas for investment and allocate resources more effectively to address critical challenges in seed systems,” Dr. Bigirwa said.

The tool has so far been used in close to 22 countries to address the challenges in the seed sector. For instance, data and insights from SeedSAT have been used to develop Seed Investment Plans for countries like Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Ghana, and Nigeria, to improve seed systems with the approval of the respective ministries of agriculture.

AGRA also tracks progress using the Seed System Performance Index (SSPI), which evaluates national seed systems against specific indicators, providing a quick assessment of how countries are performing in terms of seed system development. The Index provides a standardized measure to assess the effectiveness of seed systems in different countries for comparison and benchmarking against best practices.

“We use insights from the SSPI to focus our efforts on countries with low scores to implement strategies that will drive improvements in seed quality and availability.” Dr. Bigirwa said.

In a keynote address, Dr. Claid Mujaju, the Director, Research and Specialists Services, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Zimbabwe, discussed the benefits of the regional variety release and registration systems, in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He emphasized the need for a simple, cost-effective system that aligns with regional initiatives and supports farmer access to the best varieties. He noted that regional seed systems should be designed to enhance seed security through streamlined processes, reduced costs, and improved integration between national and regional variety catalogues to empower farmers and promote agricultural resilience in the region.

The SADC Harmonized Seed Regulatory System includes a regional variety catalogue that facilitates cross-border access to crop varietal choices. For instance, countries like Angola, Eswatini, and Mozambique have benefited from the availability of varieties through regional variety catalogues. “The system promotes the availability of crop varietal choices which leads to a more diverse and resilient seed system across the region,” Dr. Mujaju said.

The Seed Industry Stakeholders Learning Event highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration in improving seed systems in Africa. AGRA’s continued efforts in seed system development are vital for enhancing food security, increasing farmer incomes, and strengthening resilience to climate change on the continent.