Gates Foundation says AGRA’s revised transformation strategy is strengthening Africa’s food systems

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has commended AGRA's updated strategy for bolstering Africa's agrifood systems. Enock Chikava, Director of Economic Opportunity for Africa at the Gates Foundation, highlighted that over the past two decades, AGRA and its partners have established crucial elements of the agricultural sector that African farmers rely on for success.

This includes supporting 35,000 agro dealers and 118 African seed companies, which have facilitated the introduction of over 650 improved seed varieties to the market. Established in 2006 under the leadership of Kofi Annan, AGRA is a pan-African organization dedicated to scaling agricultural innovations to enhance the incomes, livelihoods, and food security of small-scale farmers.

Chikava noted that investments in agricultural research, advisory services, and access to inputs have strengthened the infrastructure farmers need to make informed decisions, boost productivity, and earn more from their land. He emphasized that while challenges remain, including low crop yields compared to other regions and increased pressure from climate change and fertiliser price shocks, AGRA's revised strategy, which prioritizes country-level needs and better connects farmers to markets, is instrumental in strengthening Africa's food systems.

The Foundation continues to invest in AGRA despite not meeting the initial ambitious goals set in 2006, such as doubling productivity and incomes for 20 million smallholder households and halving hunger and food insecurity across 20 countries. Chikava stressed that AGRA's approach now emphasizes building resilient systems that link climate adaptation to market development and strengthen government institutions.

Despite disagreements over the best path forward for African agriculture, the Gates Foundation remains committed to partnering with AGRA and other stakeholders to improve farmer incomes and promote sustainable growth.