Agriculture—and Farmers—Should Be at the Heart of Transforming Africa's Economy, Leading Voices Agree

At the TIME Impact Dinner in Kigali, Rwanda, experts gathered to discuss the potential for agriculture to transform Africa's economy and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. While agricultural productivity has doubled over the past two decades, according to a report from AGRA, more progress is needed to ensure gains are not siloed across various aspects of the food system.

Ismahane Elouafi, executive managing director of CGIAR, noted that while healthy soil is present, farmers may still face challenges like water scarcity or inadequate irrigation systems. Kingsley Moghalu, founder of the Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation, emphasized that agriculture should be seen as a crucial part of African economies rather than a niche sector. He highlighted that agriculture contributes 20% to GDP and employs over 60% of the workforce, but its full potential remains untapped.

Temiyeoluwa Alabi, head of corporate communications at ThriveAgric, stressed the importance of treating smallholder farmers as key players in the value chain. Without addressing their needs, the full potential of the agri-food system cannot be realized. Technological advancements, such as AI and big data, offer promising opportunities to improve the agricultural value chain, but they must not come at the expense of farmers' livelihoods.

Elizabeth Wathuti, climate activist and founder of Green Generation Initiative, stressed that investments should focus on the entire value chain and address the realities faced by farmers, particularly in degraded areas. She emphasized the need for a holistic approach that considers profitability, security, and the value farmers receive for their work.