AGRA

World Soil Day, celebrated on December 5, 2023, marks another annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of healthy soil and advocating for sustainable soil management. This day presents a crucial moment for Africa, a continent where soil is not just a resource but the very foundation of life, culture, and survival. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of soil health, particularly in the African context where it supports the livelihoods of millions. Safeguarding the health of African soils for future generations is not just about enhancing food security but is also crucial for environmental sustainability and economic resilience across the continent.

The challenge of soil degradation in Africa is alarming. Deforestation, overgrazing, and inappropriate agricultural practices have led to severe soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and decreased agricultural productivity. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported that approximately 65% of Africa’s arable land is damaged, with soil erosion affecting about 30% of the continent’s land. This degradation not only threatens food production but also the ecological balance, affecting biodiversity and the natural systems that many rural communities depend upon.

Africa’s diverse climates and ecosystems present unique challenges and opportunities in soil management. The Sahel region, for example, faces soil erosion mainly due to wind, while in sub-Saharan Africa, water-induced soil erosion is more prevalent. These issues are further compounded by the impacts of climate change, which introduces more unpredictable weather patterns and extreme events, exacerbating soil erosion and degradation.

However, amidst these challenges, there are rays of hope. Across the continent, innovative soil health practices are being implemented to combat these issues. AGRA is leading groundbreaking efforts to enhance soil health, a crucial step towards food security and environmental sustainability. AGRA has embarked on various initiatives to combat soil degradation across the continent. AGRA’s approach is multifaceted, focusing on research, education, and practical interventions. The adoption of regenerative agriculture practices is gaining momentum. These practices, which focus on using local knowledge and natural resources, are creating sustainable and productive farming systems. The use of compost and manure to improve soil fertility, integration of trees in farming systems (agroforestry), and promotion of indigenous crops suited to local conditions are examples of such practices.

AGRA invests heavily in research and development to understand the specific needs of different soil types across Africa. Research projects in collaboration with local and international agricultural institutions. These projects aim to develop soil-specific fertilizers and identify sustainable farming practices that can rejuvenate soil nutrients without harming the environment. This commitment to soil health is a commitment to life itself, a recognition of the intertwined destiny of soil and humanity, particularly in a continent as diverse and vibrant as Africa.

Awareness and knowledge are key to changing farming practices. AGRA conducts extensive training programs for farmers, focusing on soil health management techniques. These include conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, and the use of organic matter for soil enrichment, significantly impacting soil management practices at the grassroots level. AGRA promotes sustainable agricultural practices that maintain and improve soil health. These practices include crop rotation, intercropping, use of cover crops, appropriate crop nutrition among others. Such methods help in maintaining soil structure, preventing erosion, and enhancing soil fertility. AGRA works closely with African governments to influence policy decisions regarding soil health. Their efforts have led to the implementation of favourable agricultural policies in several countries, promoting sustainable soil management.

The impact of AGRA’s initiatives is evident in the improved soil health and increased crop yields reported in various regions. In Kenya for example through initiative such as the sustainable land management program, Laikipia Isiolo Samburu transforming the environment through nexus and strengthening regenerative agriculture in Kenya program. While progress is being made, the journey towards completely revitalized African soils is long. AGRA continues to champion the cause, but it requires the collaborative effort of governments, NGOs, the private sector, and most importantly, the farmers themselves. On this World Soil Day, we celebrate the strides made by AGRA and other stakeholders in enhancing soil health in Africa. Their work not only contributes to food security but also plays a critical role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development. Let us all join hands in this noble endeavour to protect and nurture the very foundation of our existence – the soil.

Dubai, UAE, December 10, 2023: AGRA and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to scale agriculture and food systems across Africa. The MOU seeks to foster cooperation for the development and implementation of research and developmental programs to improve the well-being of farmers in Africa. It will kick off with at least four countries for the first year, increasing to 15 targeted countries across the continent.

The pact was signed by AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata and GGGI’s Mr. Mahamadou Tounkara, Regional Director, Middle East & North Africa on the sidelines of the just concluded COP28 held in Dubai.

Commenting on the MOU, Dr. Kalibata said it was one of the major highlights of the meeting held in Dubai where she served on the COP28 President’s advisory committee.

“We are delighted with this partnership that will anchor our efforts to transform and improve the lives of African farmers. This co-operation will catalyse rapid improvements in food systems as well as further entrenching sustainable agriculture on the continent,” said Dr Kalibata.

As part of the MOU, the parties will jointly mobilise funding for technical assistance to members and partner states to help them transform their food security plans to green bankable solutions that can attract investors.

The two institutions will also develop innovative finance instruments such as green bonds and green sukuk to reduce risk and encourage investments in the Middle East and Africa as well as support countries towards climate resilience and low emissions. The MOU will also foster climate-smart agricultural technology solutions and promote green farming in the selected countries.

“We need to have collaborative efforts to tackle the urgent issues of food security, climate crisis, and rural livelihood vulnerability. We believe that by supporting farmers to apply climate smart technology solutions on their farms and transitioning them towards green farming is a critical step in helping them increase agricultural productivity, food security and reduce harmful emissions,” said Mr. Tounkara.

Under the MOU, GGGI will provide technical assistance for the design and structuring of projects that support food security and food systems transformation as well as mobilise public and private investments from investors in the Middle East. AGRA will support the implementation of activities and commit resources to support the technical assistance in rolling out the plans.

About GGGI
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) was founded as a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization in 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. GGGI supports its Member States in transitioning their economies toward a green growth model that simultaneously achieves poverty reduction, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. With 48 Member States and over 22 Partner countries and regional integration organizations in the process of accession, GGGI delivers programs and projects in over 40 countries. GGGI’s work contributes to its Member States’ efforts to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals and the Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement. GGGI is facilitating the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative, launched at COP28, a USD 10 billion public-private partnership, coordinating diverse stakeholders for climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems in Africa and the Middle East.

About AGRA
AGRA is an African-led alliance focused on putting smallholder farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. Founded in 2006, at a time when agricultural development was emerging from a 20-year decline characterized by minimal growth and investment in the sector, AGRA’s mission is to catalyze and sustain an agricultural transformation in Africa through innovation-driven productivity increases and access to markets and finance that improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. AGRA serves as the secretariat of the Africa’s Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum), (AFS Forum Secretariat) which is a coalition of leading actors in African Agriculture (hereinafter referred to as “the AFS Forum Partners Group”) focused on putting farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economies

Abu Dhabi, UAE — Countries and Institutions from Africa and the Middle East joined forces under the facilitation of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to officially introduce the groundbreaking “Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative.” This landmark initiative endeavors to Scale-up Agriculture and Food systems for Economic development in Africa and the Middle East and aims to benefit millions of people whose livelihoods are threatened by the climate crisis.

The Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative, a groundbreaking USD 10 billion public-private partnership, represents collaborative efforts to tackle the urgent issues of food security, climate change, and rural livelihood vulnerability. Emphasizing the centrality of food security in COP28 discussions, the initiative demonstrates a dedicated commitment to advancing sustainable development and resilience in Africa and the Middle East through comprehensive and holistic strategies.

During the launch event, government and institutional representatives expressed strong support for the initiative, underlining its significance in addressing critical issues on a regional scale. “We cannot approach the food security problem without a comprehensive approach. It is rare to find a program like the SAFE initiative, which will bring economic development in a multi-dimensional way, bringing public and private sectors together,” H.E. Khaled Mahdi, Secretary General, Supreme Council for Planning and Development, State of Kuwait remarked.  “There is an urgent need to ease access for developing countries to climate finance and technology, and in particular taking into account the current levels of internal and external debt of the African countries. It is therefore important we offer these countries investment opportunities. We capitalize on the Africa SAFE initiative as an approach to improve the lives of people in Africa in a sustainable and climate resilient manner, ” H.E. Hala Helmy el-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Arab Republic of Egypt remarked.

By leveraging Africa’s agricultural potential and the Middle East’s investment capacity, the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative aims to unlock green investments, promote climate-smart agriculture for rural farmers, and create green jobs, all geared towards securing a sustainable future for these regions. Comprising the Technical Assistance Fund (TAF) and Investment Platform (IP), the Initiative sets ambitious goals, aiming to irrigate 2 million hectares of African farmland, enhance climate resilience for 10 million smallholder farmers (with a specific focus on women and young people), and effectively address food security challenges. “With food security and agriculture production at the heart of the economic sector of Côte d’Ivoire, this initiative will support particularly youth and women. On behalf of H.E. Alassane Ouattara the country is happy to provide support to the SAFE initiative,” Côte d’Ivoire State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Food Production, Mr. Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani said. 

GGGI is committed to facilitating ongoing dialogues and shaping the potential of the initiative. “This initiative is poised to make a substantial impact by not only addressing immediate challenges but also contributing to the long-term well-being of Africa and the Middle East,” Dr. Frank Rijsberman GGGI’s Director General said. “GGGI is dedicated to facilitating the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative, coordinating diverse stakeholder voices to ensure its successful progression toward climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems in Africa and the Middle East,” Dr. Frank Rijsberman added.

Operationalization of the initiative will be supervised by a Board representing participating countries and institutions. GGGI’s Regional Office for MENA will serve as the Secretariat for the Board of the Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative.

Despite the challenges posed by the climate crisis, Africa holds tremendous potential to become the world’s breadbasket. The opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s food systems are immense. The continent possesses 60 per cent of the world’s unused arable land and has the potential to accelerate agricultural productivity by 2 or 3 times. Additionally, Africa has the capacity to create a food market worth USD 1 trillion by 2030. However, it must address the dual challenge of escalating food and nutrition insecurity impacting nearly 300 million people while grappling with the intensifying effects of the climate crisis.

Recognising that agriculture and food systems are major levers for Africa’s green growth, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), in collaboration with the AGRA launched Re-Gain, a groundbreaking regional programme that will support Africa in realising its promise as a food production powerhouse.

Announced at the African Heads of States Food Systems Session at COP28, this initiative will enhance African smallholders’ access to technologies, make food loss reduction solutions more accessible and affordable, and support the creation of enabling environments for transitioning food systems.

With project preparation funding from GCF to support development of the programme, GCF and AGRA will work together in designing and implementing an initiative to leverage over USD 100 million in financing to support the wide scale adoption of food loss solutions, in partnership with the private sector. Already, a group of countries including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia have joined this initiative, and further participation is expected in subsequent phases.

The financial support will enable partners and participating countries to conduct necessary diagnostics and consultations, align programmes with country priorities and climate science, and deliver meaningful impact to African smallholders.

This initiative is on track to become the first project developed through GCF’s pilot Project Specific Assessment Approach (PSAA). PSAA is a new funding modality that aims to streamline and broaden access to GCF resources by working with new partners, countries, and technologies, that have been underserved by the existing GCF Accredited Entity network.

“GCF is proud to partner with AGRA on Re-Gain, which has the potential to transform Africa’s food systems. When implemented, this initiative will mobilise private capital at scale and help lower the cost of innovative solutions to prevent food loss and improve the wellbeing and livelihoods of smallholders, their families, and communities. This is also the first programme to come out of a GCF pilot that expands access to funding for organisations that are not accredited to GCF,” said Mafalda Duarte, GCF Executive Director.

“Underestimating the repercussions of food loss can inadvertently downplay its profound effects on the critical issue of food security. This programme is timely in expediting innovative solutions for the various dimensions of food loss, from post-harvest losses to supply chain inefficiencies at both the national, regional and international levels,” said Dr. Agnes Kalibata, AGRA President.

“Addressing post-harvest losses requires a multi-faceted approach that includes investments in infrastructure, technology dissemination, and the creation of effective market linkages. With proper investment and partnership amongst key stakeholders, it is possible to empower African smallholders, enhance food security, and contribute to the overall economic development of the region,” said H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and AGRA Board Chair.

Africa has an estimated 33 million smallholder farms.

Despite their small operational scale, the smallholder farmers, who grow staple crops such as maize, rice, wheat, cassava and sorghum, contribute up to 70 per cent of the continent’s food supply.

Additionally, smallholder farmers produce around a third of the world’s food, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

However, these farmers face many challenges, including access to finance and quality inputs, climate change, lack of proper storage facilities, and market access.

To help them address these challenges, the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) deployed an integrated digital farmer services platform, e-granary, to improve the living standards of smallholder farmers in Kenya through increased incomes and financial inclusion.

To access the platform, farmers must register using their phone numbers, which also double as their mobile wallets.

The farmers receive payment on produce delivery to warehouses (on credit) for 100 per cent (assuming a low grade). The grain is graded, and the batch is tagged for traceability. Thereafter, the revised grade is communicated to the farmers.

Prices increase after the harvest, and credit is based on the anticipated price hike, the new grade and credit score.

E-granary sells the grain to the output trader and pays the farmers (net of loans, interest charges and warehouse fees).

Speaking on the sidelines of the AGRF Summit 2023, EAFF Board Member Mr. Philip Kiriro noted that they have worked towards ensuring that farmers are organised into cooperatives or business clusters to manage the value chains and the products they deal with.

“Our approach is slightly different because we have said, as small farmers, if you look at the markets, markets have owners, even the markets in our countries, in our capitals that are agricultural markets, they have owners, it’s very difficult for farmers to get onto that market and do business,” he said, adding, “So we said, why don’t we  establish our business line through value chains, by organising ourselves and agreeing that we need to collectively make sure that we dominate one important segment of agri-food business and that is aggregation.” 

This has been advantageous to farmers, who have also received support from the private sector.  For example, partnering with off-takers has ensured the farmers’ produce has a ready market.

Farmers have also gained support from suppliers of farm inputs, where the lobby and specific groups agree on the method used to supply fertilisers and seeds to save money, ensure quality input and see to it that the products reach the farms on time.

E-granary has also assisted farmers in accessing finance through tailor-made products and addressed risks that farmers face by having discussions with insurance companies.

“For example, Vision Fund has microfinance, and we worked with them in Kenya. It got to a point where they started reducing the interest specifically for farmers out of the money they give out because they saw the larger benefits that emanate from us aggregating farmers. They can support farmers in borrowing for other activities like value addition, apart from just borrowing for crop production,” said Mr. Kiriro.

Goodwill from the government is also crucial in any sector, and e-granary has allowed farmers to get government support for their projects.

“In the case of Kenya, we have gone to counties like Nakuru. We have been to counties in Western and Eastern Kenya to discuss how we can partner with county governments, now that agriculture is devolved to ensure that we energise agribusiness,” said Mr Kiriro.

Those county governments have been receptive to e-granary as they have already started talking about aggregation centres.

“That means they have taken our vision where you aggregate produce and seek markets and manage, you know, even post-harvest losses that we have been talking about for years. Once you aggregate, even as farmers, you can see the size of the aggregation or the bulk and you say, ‘I think with this one we can start value addition, we can seek a private sector partner to  process this produce,’” he said.

Aggregating produce has significant benefits in agribusiness. For instance, when maize farmers aggregate their produce, they can collectively negotiate for better business and the buyers do not have to go around looking for the maize. This translates to a lot of savings in terms of overheads.

A lot went into making the e-granary initiative a success, including support from development partners like AGRA. “If you look at the engagement we have had, the support mainly comes from development partners. Like the e-granary process of Kenya was initially supported by AGRA, while in Rwanda and Uganda, we have been supported by the World Bank,” Mr. Kiriro said.

With support from AGRA’s Financial Inclusion for Smallholder Farmers in Africa (FISFAP) programme, the e-granary worked with farmers in Meru cooperatives, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Bomet, and Narok.

“Out of that, we generated a platform that has membership, where farmers say they are part of the e-granary platform, and with that platform, now we can reach them through information extension, consulting, digital, innovation, issues on agronomical challenges, issues around markets,” he said.

Farmers’ forums need to be well organised to ensure their success. The farmers also need proper training and guidance from a secretariat that understands them. To thrive in agribusiness, they also have to successfully go through the aggregating process, for access to market, and partner with off-takers. With this, smallholder farmers will drive food systems transformation across the world.