From drones to Internet-of-Things, blockchain and AI, the proliferation of accessible digital technologies are opening tremendous opportunities to transform smallholder agriculture into profitable, sustainable and inclusive businesses.
Africa’s growing youth workforce also presents enormous potential for agricultural transformation but, to capitalise on this promising resource, the sector must become a more attractive employment option for the continent’s young people. There is a pressing need to build the capacity of Africa’s youth, not just in terms of modern farming skills, but critically in digital skills and business acumen in order to foster agricultural prosperity and economic growth.
The speed at which digitalisation for agriculture (D4Ag) is developing, particularly in Africa, provides exciting opportunities. In 2013, when CTA organised the first international conference on ‘ICT4Ag’ in Rwanda, there had been little previous activity in the sector. But, in the last 5-6 years, there has been a huge increase in new digital solutions coming into the market, as well as interest from major donors and governments to leverage digitalisation to transform smallholder agriculture. CTA has been a pioneer in this area, and it is pleasing to see big players coming into the space.
In this issue
Michael Hailu: “Digitalisation: a game changer in transforming smallholder agriculture”
As CTA launch a landmark report on digitalisation in agriculture in Africa, Michael Hailu, director of CTA highlights his hopes that the report will help inform other actors and inspire and engage investors by identifying impact and investment opportunities in this critical sector.
Des success stories pour inspirer les jeunes
En Afrique, 420 millions de personnes (soit 60 % de la population) ont entre 15 et 35 ans. Un nombre qui devrait doubler d’ici à 2040. Sur le continent, l’agriculture est un secteur primordial, puisqu’il représente près des deux tiers des emplois. “Ils l’ont fait !” met ainsi en évidence les réalisations de 24 jeunes entrepreneurs promus par AgribusinessTV, une webtélé créée en 2016 au Burkina Faso.
Digitalisation: an important lever for agricultural transformation
by Anne Legroscollard and Murielle Vandreck
In the 48 pages of their annual report, CTA demonstrates the extent to which their actions in support of digitalisation contribute to agricultural transformation in ACP countries. “It is becoming increasingly evident that a strong focus on digitalisation as a means to drive agricultural transformation is bearing dividends in the forms of increased production, better livelihoods, more efficient value chains and ultimately greater food and nutrition security,” is the message from Michael Hailu, CTA Director.
Zimbabwe commercialises its indigenous crops
A specialised research organisation in Zimbabwe is identifying and developing locally available and underutilised plant species into marketable products.
Renewable technology confronts Kenya’s food waste
Mobile refrigerated units, powered using solar energy, are providing farmers with an opportunity to preserve their produce at a convenient time and place.
Fixing food systems for environmental sustainability
by James Thorp
Two reports and a new book highlight how food can be used to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Face au climat, l’Afrique saisit sa chance
Confronté à de nombreux défis, le continent peut capitaliser une décennie de progrès et de croissance économique pour transformer son agriculture.
The Solomon Islands rediscover the taste of honey
Following destruction of the entire bee population by parasites in the 2000s, the Solomon Islands has now restarted its honey production, and has its sights set on the export market.
A zonal approach stimulates Madagascar’s organic sector
The development of zones dedicated to organic farming in Madagascar is increasing local adoption of the technique and generating higher incomes for small-scale farmers.
Analysing global hunger
The 2019 Global Report on Food Crises: Joint Analysis for Better Decisions is a product of the Global Network against Food Crises. It is the result of a collaborative effort involving 15 leading global and regional institutions – including the EU, FAO and WFP – to share data, analyses, knowledge and expertise regarding people facing food crises.
“We need to put food systems high on the political agenda”
Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit at the European Commission, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, highlights the critical role of integrated action and collaboration in order to address the challenges raised by the latest global report on food crises.
Job creation: Agriculture’s potential to mitigate youth migration
As waves of young people leave their rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa in search of better work, can the agricultural sector provide the employment opportunities that they’re looking for?
Stemming youth migration: Improving agriculture’s employment opportunities
Africa’s growing youth workforce presents enormous potential for agricultural transformation, but to capitalise on this promising resource the sector must become a more attractive employment option for the continent’s young people.
Reality TV shapes up young farming in Eastern Africa
Agricultural TV shows that provide information on how to start an agribusiness are encouraging youths in Kenya and Tanzania to consider farming as a lucrative career choice.
Good farming practices help turn the tide on youth migration
A cereal production and marketing programme is substantially boosting smallholders’ incomes, making the agricultural sector much more attractive to young people. As a consequence, youth migration has decreased.
Sithembile Ndema Mwamakamba: Prioritising youth engagement in technology and innovation
by James Thorp
A programme manager for climate-smart agriculture at the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), Sithembile Ndema Mwamakamba has a passion for working with and supporting African youth.
Blended finance funds impact African agriculture
Impact investment funds are fast becoming the vehicle of choice for governments and donors looking to invest in African agriculture and encourage private sector investors to do the same.
“Digitalisation of agriculture will leapfrog challenges women farmers face”
Deputy director for Agricultural Development, Global Growth & Opportunity at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Enock Chikava, highlights the key role of the public and private sectors to deliver agricultural digitalisation to connect smallholder farmers at scale.
Chilli exports challenge Rwanda’s post-harvest losses
by Aimable Twahirwa and Sophie Reeve
Young entrepreneur Diego Dieudonné Twahirwa is supplying global markets with his dry chilli and chilli oil products, whilst providing a ready market for local farmers.
Cycling for organic cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire
by Sophie Reeve and Cléophas Mosala
Innovative technologies in West Africa are reducing the environmental impacts of cocoa processing, and increasing farmer resilience to climate change.
Africa’s growing youth workforce presents enormous potential for agricultural transformation, but to capitalise on this promising resource the sector must become a more attractive employment option for the continent’s young people.
