AGRA

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.