The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has renewed its call for increased investment in African agriculture, especially in smallholder farmers, as shifting global development priorities threaten to derail hard-won progress across the continent.
Speaking at a recent high-level reception in Nairobi on May 13, attended by government officials, diplomats, development partners and private sector leaders, AGRA president Alice Ruhweza underscored the urgency of localised home-grown solutions in the face of dwindling international support.
“We gather at a pivotal moment in international development when the ecosystem of support we have known for decades is fast changing,” Ruhweza said.
“This shift in the funding landscape demands greater efficiency, innovation and collaboration from organisations such as AGRA.”
The changing global aid landscape characterised by declining donor resources and rising geopolitical tensions has heightened economic vulnerability across Africa.
According to the Institute for Security Studies, funding disruptions could push up to six million more Africans into extreme poverty by next year, threatening progress in key areas, including agriculture, health, education and climate resilience.
Despite these headwinds, Ruhweza reaffirmed AGRA’s commitment to agricultural transformation at scale. Since its inception, AGRA has worked with smallholder farmers, governments, civil society and the private sector to reach over 26 million farmers across 11 countries.
Through interventions such as improved seeds, affordable fertilisers and strengthened market access, the organisation continues to champion agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.
“Agriculture employs approximately 65% of Africa’s workforce and contributes up to 35% of GDP in many countries,” Ruhweza noted.
“Growth in agriculture is up to three times more effective at reducing poverty than growth in other sectors.”
AfCFTA’S market potential
With climate change and demographic shifts reshaping Africa’s future, Ruhweza highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a “game-changer” for African farmers and agribusinesses.
“In a world turning inward, Africa must turn outward with confidence,” she said. “Hunger knows no borders and neither does opportunity.”
AfCFTA, with its unified market of 1.3 billion people and combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, is expected to drive intra-African agricultural trade up by over 50% by this year and as much as 574% by 2030.
Women and youth empowerment
AGRA president Alice Ruhweza stressed the importance of empowering women and youth.
With 11 million young people entering Africa’s labour market each year, she called for agriculture to be reimagined as a viable and attractive career.
“Women make up 70% of Africa’s agricultural workforce. Empowering them with land rights, extension services and market access can raise productivity by up to 30%,” she said.
As international development funding shrinks, AGRA is urging African governments, philanthropists and impact investors to bridge the gap.
“AGRA cannot do this alone,” Ruhweza noted. “To all who believe in Africa’s potential, invest in our farmers, back our innovations and join us in ensuring that agriculture becomes a source of hope and prosperity,” she added.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Ruhweza speaking during the reception in Nairobi recently.
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