AGRA

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

“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

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

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.

Strategic Pathways for Africa’s Agri-Food Future: How to Scale up Transformation in Time for Kampala 2025

By Boaz Keizire, Head of Policy, AGRA and Dr. John Ulimwengu, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI.

Africa stands at a crucial moment in its agrifood system history. With the Kampala Declaration 2025 drawing closer, nations on the continent are urged to reimagine and create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems. This journey is not about isolated successes but a collective shift toward transformative solutions that address food security, climate resilience, and economic growth.

To achieve this transformation, Africa must adopt strategies that build on existing successes while fostering innovation and collaboration.

One such pathway lies in expanding digital revolution into agrifood system across the continent. Digital tools are revolutionising farming practices, offering smallholder farmers access to real-time data, financial services, and market linkages.

In Ghana, for instance, mobile platforms are enabling farmers to access critical weather updates, crop health information, and market prices, bridging longstanding information gaps. These innovations, made possible through public-private partnerships, are increasing yields and reducing risks such as climate and market related, providing a scalable model for other nations.

Promoting climate-resilient practices is equally essential, as climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity. Rwanda’s focus on climate-smart agriculture highlights how countries can integrate resilience into their food systems. Conservation tillage, the adoption of drought-resistant crops, and community-based irrigation have transformed productivity in vulnerable regions. These practices demonstrate the dual benefits of environmental conservation and economic stability, offering a blueprint for addressing climate challenges across the continent.

Another critical strategy involves fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address infrastructure gaps. In Tanzania and Zambia, collaborative efforts have led to the development of essential storage facilities and irrigation systems, reducing post-harvest losses and boosting production. These examples underscore the transformative potential of PPPs in overcoming logistical barriers and driving long-term agricultural growth.

Finally, empowering women and youth is central to building inclusive and innovative agri-food systems. Kenya provides a powerful example of how this can be achieved. Through vocational training programs, young people are acquiring skills in agri-tech and agro-processing, injecting fresh ideas into the sector while addressing unemployment. Simultaneously, initiatives to enhance women’s roles in decision-making and resource allocation are fostering greater inclusivity and resilience at both household and community levels.

Collaboration for a Food Secure Continent

Achieving the Kampala Declaration’s vision will require continent-wide collaboration:

  • Knowledge Sharing: Platforms for sharing best practices, such as Ghana’s use of digital tools to connect farmers with markets and Rwanda’s innovative, climate-smart farming techniques, can accelerate learning and capacity-building. These initiatives provide communities with accessible, scalable solutions to foster agricultural growth and resilience.
  • Harmonised Policies: Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will ease cross-border trade, reduce dependency on imports, and strengthen local markets.
  • Sustainable Infrastructure: Investments in renewable energy, rural roads, and cold storage will minimise food loss, improve access to markets, and enhance resilience.

 

By uniting under shared strategies and building on proven successes, African nations can accelerate progress toward the goals of the Kampala Declaration.

Empowering People Living with Disabilities through AGRA Gender Consortium Project

The AGRA Gender Consortium project, a 36-month initiative, is making remarkable strides in enhancing resilience and promoting gender-inclusive rural economies for increased productivity, livelihoods, and food security. This transformative project, spearheaded by Value Seeds Limited (VSL), Palm Valley Nigeria Limited (PVNL), and Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women (LANW), is dedicated to supporting 50,000 smallholder women and youths in Kaduna and Niger States.

 

One of the standout aspects of this project is its commitment to social inclusion, particularly for People Living with Disabilities (PLWD). In the course of implementing the project’s objectives, several PLWD were observed facing significant mobility challenges, often crawling or being carried by relatives to meeting venues.

 

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, AGRA and PVNL have taken a systematic and deliberate approach to tackle exclusive norms and barriers. As part of their ongoing efforts to promote social inclusion, some identified beneficiaries with disabilities were empowered with AGRA-branded wheelchairs. This initiative significantly eased their movement, ensuring that they can actively participate in the project’s activities.

 

In Kaduna State, the project is being implemented across Zaria, Makarfi, Soba, Lere, Kubau, Kauru, Chikun, Kachia, Jaba, Zango Kataf, Jema’a, and Ikara LGAs. In Niger State, the targeted LGAs include Bosso, Chanchaga, Lapai, Katcha, Lavun, Bida, Wushishi, Agaie, Gurara, and Paikoro.

 

Palm Valley Nigeria Limited (PVNL) has been instrumental in supporting the development of high-nutritional-value products from soybeans, maize, rice, and cowpea, promoting household nutrition. PVNL has also facilitated enterprise development through training and capacity building in financial and business soft skills. Additionally, PVNL has constructed and equipped pilot agro-processing centers in Kahuta (Kaduna State) and Kolugbe (Niger State), providing beneficiaries with access to structured markets.

 

Although many PLWD beneficiaries were identified, five were selected to receive the AGRA-branded wheelchairs—two in Niger and three in Kaduna State. This initiative is a testament to AGRA’s holistic approach to agricultural transformation, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations are supported.

 

Through these inclusive measures, the AGRA Gender Consortium project is not only enhancing productivity and food security but also ensuring that all community members, including those living with disabilities, can contribute to and benefit from the agricultural sector’s growth.

Image 1: Aisha Mohammed (L), and Magdelene Danjuma(R) with other participants at the training

 

Empowering Dreams and Overcoming Challenges in Gatsibo Rwanda

In the heart of Gatsibo District, a youth-led cooperative named Twiteze Imbere—meaning “let’s join our efforts to develop ourselves”—has emerged as a beacon of hope for local youth. Chairperson Mukashyaka Nadia, just 23 years old, embodies the aspirations of her 28 peers, aged 18 to 35. Faced with the dual challenges of limited skills and inadequate funding, Nadia captures their struggle: “We might have ideas, but the main challenges for us are limited skills and funds.”

 

Currently, Twiteze Imbere operates a small poultry farm, raising only 200 birds under suboptimal conditions. However, the cooperative’s dreams far exceed its current capabilities. With the support of the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture (YEFFA) program—an initiative by AGRA in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation—Twiteze Imbere is on a transformative journey.

 

The YEFFA Program: A Catalyst for Change

The YEFFA program, implemented by Abusol Ltd and ADC Ltd, aims to create dignified work opportunities for young people, particularly women and disadvantaged groups, through the development of inclusive food systems and agricultural value chains.

Since partnering with YEFFA in June 2024, Nadia and her cooperative have undergone a profound transformation. Through a 10-day intensive training focused on poultry management, complemented by a 12-day study tour of successful poultry farms,  Twiteze Imbere chair person has acquired crucial skills that have revitalized the cooperative ambitions.

Nadia reflects on this impact: “Our hope has increased. The training opened my eyes to how we can generate income from poultry.”

Remarkable Achievements

The results of the YEFFA program are evident:

Financial Growth: The cooperative’s savings have skyrocketed from 400,000 Rwandan francs to over 3 million Rwandan francs. This remarkable increase reflects not only improved financial management but also newfound confidence in their business acumen.

Project Diversification: In addition to poultry, the cooperative launched a nursery tree project, successfully selling over 40,000 young trees. This initiative, which started with an investment of only 300,000 Rwandan francs, has provided a vital financial boost, contributing significantly to their poultry operations.

Increased Production Goals: With aspirations to expand from 200 to at least 1,000 poultry, the cooperative recognizes that additional funding of about 3 million Rwandan francs is essential. The success of the nursery project is crucial in achieving this goal.

A Vision for the Future

With newfound skills and financial support, Twiteze Imbere is not just surviving; it is thriving. Nadia’s optimism is palpable: “I am very optimistic that this project will help us meet our mission.” The cooperative’s vision extends beyond mere survival—they aim to become a sustainable enterprise that empowers youth and women in the community.

Broader Impact of the YEFFA Program

The success of Twiteze Imbere reflects a broader initiative under the YEFFA program, which aims to train 4,006 youth in best practices for poultry farming. With a target of establishing 190 youth groups, the program is set to create self-employment opportunities, link youth to financial institutions, and significantly increase female participation in the poultry sector.

Employment Opportunities: The program anticipates creating 4,500 work opportunities, with a goal of ensuring that 70% of beneficiaries are women.

Sustainable Growth: By focusing on producing competent actors in modern poultry farming, the YEFFA program is laying the groundwork for a resilient agricultural sector in Rwanda.

Conclusion: A Model of Success

Twiteze Imbere’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of the YEFFA program. Through targeted training, financial support, and access to market opportunities, the cooperative has turned challenges into remarkable achievements. The story of Mukashyaka Nadia and her peers is one of resilience, hope, and empowerment—a testament to what can be accomplished when young people are equipped with the right tools and support.

As they continue to grow, Twiteze Imbere stands as a model of success, inspiring other youth-led initiatives across Rwanda to join in the movement toward sustainable agriculture and economic independence. The future looks bright for this cooperative, and with ongoing support, they are poised to make a lasting impact in their community.

African Youth Lead the Charge in Climate Adaptation at COP29

Baku, Azerbaijan 19th November 2024 At COP29, African youth took center stage in various sessions on food systems and climate adaptation sharing their experiences and best practices and showcasing the innovative technologies they are using to address climate shocks on their farms and enterprises. Through various sessions, attended by diverse stakeholders, the youth climate champions took the moment to present the role of young people in driving sustainable agricultural practices and addressing climate change.

At COP, the young agripreneurs from across Africa presented their efforts in climate resilient food systems transformation. They shared real-life examples of how they are adapting to changing climate conditions, such as using drought-resistant crop varieties, use of renewable energy, implementing water-saving irrigation techniques, adopting agroforestry practices among others. These innovative solutions are not only enhancing their resilience to climate impacts but also improving food security and livelihoods in their communities.

Marcia Manhica, the Vice President of Association for Health and Rural Development in Mozambique, said that “Climate change is the greatest threat to our existence on the planet. No one will be able to escape its consequences if we do not unite to combat this phenomenon. The planet without us will always be a planet, but we cannot exist without the planet.”

While Dolphine Magero, Founder, Green Youth Climate Fund Initiative, said that the “29th Conference of Parties to UNFCCC presents an opportunity for the international community and particularly Africa to design a climate finance mechanism that speaks to the very core of human existence which is food security.  COP 29 must deliver at least 10% of climate finance to youth led climate resilient initiatives and a grant-based climate finance goal that support sustainable food systems through programmes such as Climate Friendly School Feeding Programme.”

In addition to discussing their adaptation strategies, the youth also presented the 11 recommendations from the African Common Position on youth food systems and climate and the Kigali Declaration on Youth in Food Systems and Climate Action in various platforms.

These recommendations included:

  1. Investment in youth-centric food systems and climate policies.
  2. Enhancing access to resources and funding for young farmers.
  3. Strengthening capacity building and knowledge sharing.
  4. Promoting of technological innovation in agriculture.
  5. Facilitating Inclusive and gender-equitable agricultural policies.
  6. Acceleration of agro-industrial development and value chain integration.
  7. Mobilization of youth as key actors in climate action.
  8. Collaboration and partnerships for youth empowerment initiatives.
  9. Strengthening policy and advocacy frameworks with youth involvement.
  10. Facilitating research and development to inform youth engagement.
  11. Increasing in climate action finance for Africa.

The events presented the potential of African youth to lead the way in creating resilient food systems that can withstand the pressures of climate change. Their participation at COP29 demonstrates their commitment to building a sustainable future and presents the need for continued support and investment to youth-led initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jeremiah Rogito, Specialist for Food Systems, Land Use, and Climate at AGRA, and Lead for the AGRA Youth Delegation at COP29 said “African youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers of today. At COP29, we have witnessed their resilience, creativity, and determination in addressing the most pressing challenge of our time climate change. Through their innovative approaches to commitment to sustainable and climate resilient food systems, these young leaders are setting a powerful example for the world. Now, more than ever, we must invest in their potential and amplify their voices to ensure a sustainable future for all.”

 

Unlocking Africa’s Future Youth, Food Systems, and the Climate Imperative

As Africa stands in awe of a demographic revolution, with youth accounting for nearly 60% of its population, the continent finds itself at a crossroads. Agriculture, long considered the backbone of African economies, is now more critical than ever. Climate change poses an existential threat, yet within this challenge lies an unparalleled opportunity—one that rests squarely in the hands of our young people.

Africa’s future, especially in the face of an unpredictable climate, depends on how we empower and equip our youth to lead the transformation of food systems. From Nairobi to Lagos, from Accra to Kigali, young people are seizing opportunities and demanding to be part of the solution. As we march forward in pursuit of a more climate-resilient and sustainable future, it is imperative that we listen to, invest in, and elevate the voices of young Africans.

Agriculture employs over 50% of Africa’s workforce, yet it has been viewed through the narrow lens of subsistence for too long. Today’s youth see things differently. Armed with technological prowess and a strong desire for innovation, they envision agriculture as a vehicle for change. This sector feeds the continent and drives economic growth, mitigates climate risks, and builds resilient communities.

The recent survey of 581 youth from 32 African countries confirms this vision. Over 492 participants identified sustainable agriculture as the most significant producer of green jobs, followed by water and waste management. A staggering 526 respondents expressed interest in green jobs, recognizing their importance in addressing environmental challenges (Generation Africa 2024 survey). These numbers tell a powerful story: Africa’s youth want to be part of the green transformation but need support.

Despite their ambition, many young people face daunting barriers. Limited access to resources, lack of financing, and bureaucratic hurdles continue to affect their potential. The urgency of their need for support is clear. Nearly 318 respondents in the survey reported familiarity with green jobs, yet over 200 of them need help to secure green opportunities. They know they are the solution, but they need to be kept in the systems that should empower them.

AGRA and its partners engaged with young people from across 15 AGRA countries to further capture youth voices. These country engagements and regional engagements led to the launch of the Africa common position on youth, food systems, and climate policy, capturing youth voices launched at the AFS Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The voices of the youth from the call to action were clear: to unleash the full potential of Africa’s youth, we must tackle these barriers head-on. It starts with investing in youth-centric food systems and climate policies. Governments must prioritize youth involvement in crafting and implementing policies that promote sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. Youth-led initiatives such as precision farming, agroforestry, and the use of digital platforms must be supported and scaled.

Second, access to resources and funding must be improved. Young people across the continent have been clear: they need financial resources, access to arable land, and agricultural inputs to thrive. Without these, their dreams remain just those dreams. Expanding microcredit schemes and investment funds and simplifying land acquisition and access processes are essential.

Third, knowledge sharing and capacity building must become a cornerstone of our strategy. Youth are eager for mentorship, training, and practical experiences that bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Field schools, internships, and digital literacy programs are the tools they need to turn their passion into action. Additionally, gender-inclusive policies must ensure that marginalized groups, especially young women, have equal access to opportunities.

Finally, we must mobilize youth as critical actors in climate action and mobilize climate finance for young people. Africa’s youth are not mere beneficiaries—they are leaders in their own right. Their voices must be front and center in climate governance, adaptation, and mitigation strategies. They are already engaging in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable development; we must amplify their efforts and integrate them into national and continental decision-making processes.

Africa’s future food security, economic growth, and climate resilience depend on the success of today’s youth. They are not asking for handouts but the tools and opportunities to build a better world for all of us. In return, they offer not just fresh ideas, but a reservoir of untapped potential, determination, and a deep connection to the land.

I urge governments, private sector leaders, and international organizations to heed this call to action. Let us invest in the next generation of African leaders—empowering them to transform our food systems, tackle climate change, and secure a prosperous, equitable future for all.

As we look to the future, the time to act is now. We can create a more sustainable and resilient Africa by investing in our youth. Let’s ensure they have the resources, opportunities, and platforms to lead. Africa’s potential is limitless, but we must unlock it by empowering those who will carry the continent forward. Let us act in hope, with a sense of urgency, commitment, and vision. The future of Africa rests in their hands, so let’s ensure we support them every step of the way.

 

By: Nana Yaa Boakyewaa Amoah

Building Resilience in times of Climate Change

By Kindie Fantaye, Head of Climate Resilience at AGRA

 The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region is home to over 270 million people, encompasses diverse landscapes ranging from semi-arid areas to fertile agricultural zones. This diversity, however, also means that the region is acutely vulnerable to climate events like El Niño and La Niña, which have increasingly severe impacts on our communities, economies, and food systems.

Climate Impacts on the IGAD Region

El Niño events often bring unseasonal rainfall and flooding, devastating farmlands, infrastructure, and entire communities. On the other hand, La Niña events tend to lead to prolonged droughts, water scarcity, crop failures, and livestock deaths. Both phenomena exacerbate food insecurity and economic hardship, disproportionately affecting rural populations, women, children, and smallholder farmers and herders who rely heavily on rain-fed production systems. As a result, millions in our region face food shortages, malnutrition, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. The economic toll is equally staggering, with agricultural losses directly impacting GDP and livelihoods, while further straining national budgets that are already stretched thin.

What Needs to Be Done

To address these challenges, immediate, coordinated actions at multiple levels are essential. National governments in the region must prioritize climate adaptation strategies, including strengthening early warning systems, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, and improving disaster response mechanisms.

In this space, the AGRA has increasingly recognized the critical need to support smallholders in adapting to and managing climate risks. To this end, AGRA has established a dedicated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Unit tasked with developing and implementing strategies to help farmers adapt to a rapidly changing climate and climate variability. This unit plays a pivotal role in coordinating AGRA’s efforts to empower smallholders with climate-smart resources, information, and tools.

One of AGRA’s primary initiatives is the delivery of climate advisories to smallholders. By providing timely, location-specific climate forecasts and agricultural advisories, AGRA ensures that farmers can make informed decisions about planting, harvesting, and managing crops and livestock resources. These advisories, often disseminated via mobile platforms, radio, and community-based networks, equip smallholders with actionable insights to mitigate the risks of extreme weather events, ultimately enhancing their resilience.

 Facilitating Agricultural Insurance

Facilitating agricultural insurance is another vital component of AGRA’s strategy. By working with financial institutions and insurance providers, AGRA helps make agricultural insurance more accessible and affordable for smallholders. Insurance products tailored to the needs of smallholders provide a safety net, enabling them to recover more quickly from climate shocks. This initiative is especially important in helping smallholders avoid the cycle of debt and loss that often follows adverse weather events.

Additionally, AGRA focuses on enhancing climate risk management at the farm level. Through training and support, AGRA promotes practices such as conservation agriculture, water management, and soil health improvement, which help farmers manage risks posed by erratic rainfall, drought, and other climate challenges. These practices not only increase resilience to climate shocks but also improve productivity and sustainability.

AGRA is also dedicated to building the resilience of smallholders by reducing asset depletion during consecutive climate shocks. By supporting diversified income streams, promoting access to credit, and enhancing food storage systems, AGRA helps farmers maintain and even strengthen their economic base through multiple climate events. This approach ensures that farmers can continue to support their households and maintain their agricultural activities even during periods of environmental stress. To scale these efforts, AGRA seeks to work with institutions like the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), which plays a crucial role in providing accurate and timely climate information. ICPAC’s expertise in climate prediction can help AGRA, national governments, and communities anticipate these events, take preventive measures, and mitigate their impact on agriculture and food security.

As we move forward, it is clear that a holistic approach is needed. This includes promoting cross-sector partnerships, encouraging investment in sustainable agriculture, and ensuring that policy frameworks are responsive to the realities of climate-induced food insecurity. Together, we can strengthen the resilience of the IGAD region to El Niño and La Niña extreme events and climate change, protecting our communities, preserving livelihoods, and promoting sustainable food systems.By working together—governments, regional institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the international community—we can forge a resilient path forward for the IGAD region.

For a Climate-Resilient Food System, Africa must Invest in its Youth; COP29 must be the Revolutionary Moment

by Dr. Jeremiah Rogito and Patrick Githinji

On November 11th, 2024, COP29 curtains opened in Baku, Azerbaijan. This date was unique not just because it  marked my 29th birthday but it is a crucial moment for decisions on climate action. For Africa, this conference matters deeply. With a massive youth population, Africa’s young people are already facing the harsh effects of climate change, like unpredictable weather and declining farm yields. COP29 offers a chance for leaders to support African youth in building a strong, sustainable future.

At COP29 in Baku, Africa’s youth have a resounding message: now is the time for urgent, meaningful investment in youth-led food systems transformation and climate action. From the Kigali Declaration on Youth, food systems and climate to the Generation Africa Youth Survey, the message is clear: African youth are not only ready but are actively driving the shift toward sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and green job creation. However, to unlock their full potential, we need to act on the eleven key resolutions of the Kigali Declaration, particularly prioritizing increased climate finance for youth-led initiatives.

According to the African Youth Climate Hub, Africa’s youth are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to the continent’s high dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the risks posed by climate change will disproportionately impact young people, affecting food security, economic opportunities, and health outcomes across the continent. Similarly, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted that Africa will face more frequent and severe climate impacts, including droughts, floods, and extreme heat, which are likely to disrupt livelihoods and particularly affect young Africans who are predominantly employed in agriculture and natural resource sectors.

The Generation Africa Youth Survey provides a view into the challenges and aspirations of over 500 young Africans from 32 countries. While 43% of these respondents identify as entrepreneurs, nearly half report facing systemic obstacles, from lack of access to funding to limited policy support. This survey posits that Africa’s youth possess the drive and vision, yet what they need most is access; access to resources, policy reform, and climate finance that will empower them to enact real change.

The Kigali Declaration’s call for increased climate finance aligns directly with the Generation Africa 2024 survey findings. Among the survey respondents, financial support was cited in nearly 300 instances as essential for green job growth. This call is echoed in the Declaration’s eleventh item, which calls for increased flow of climate action finance to mobilize public and private investments in carbon financing and climate-smart innovations. For African youth, climate finance is not an abstract concept; it is the difference between resilient, thriving agricultural systems and a future crippled by food insecurity.

As the famous swahili proverb goes Samaki mkunje angali mbichi (Bend the fish while it is still fresh.) The proverb reminds us that the best time to shape or address a situation is at its early stages. For COP29, this means that investing in youth-led initiatives now can prevent future crises and ensure resilience in Africa’s food systems. African youth are ready and willing to lead, but without timely support and resources, their potential remains untapped. Now is the critical moment to invest in the transformative ideas of Africa’s young leaders to ensure a sustainable, resilient food system for all.

Each of the eleven resolutions and recommendations in the Kigali Declaration on youth food systems and climate is a roadmap toward a climate resilient food system, with climate finance for youth at the forefront. The call for youth-centric food systems policies, enhanced access to resources for young farmers, and strengthened capacity-building programs are critical steps. Over 500 youths surveyed expressed a strong belief that green jobs are key to solving environmental challenges. Yet, 209 said they struggled to secure green jobs, and the majority believe that government support for youth is inadequate. In contrast, learning institutions are viewed as more supportive, yet they too need increased resources and funding to sustain this role.

At COP29, global leaders and stakeholders have an opportunity to support these young people by committing to the Kigali Declaration’s resolution and prioritizing climate finance for youth-led initiatives. Africa’s youth are not asking for charity; they are asking for a partnership in building driving food systems transformation. They are prepared to lead, innovate, and create solutions for a resilient food system if provided the right tools and financial backing.

This year’s COP must be a turning point, where we move from statements to actions, from promises to tangible investments in Africa’s youth. The Kigali Declaration on Youth food systems and climate and Generation Africa Youth Survey reveal that Africa’s youth are united, resilient, and ready to lead. It is now up to stakeholders; policymakers, financial institutions, and international bodies to rise to the occasion and back these young leaders with the resources they need. At COP29, let us commit to fulfilling the eleven resolutions, increasing climate finance for youth led initiatives, and empowering Africa’s youth to shape a future where food systems are resilient, economies are sustainable, and communities are protected against climate impacts. The solutions are here. It’s time to invest in them.