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Agriculture

Agriculture is the heartbeat of Africa, supporting the livelihoods of millions and forming the backbone of the continent’s economy. We believe the path to sustainable growth is found in the innovation and development of agribusiness.

a close-up of a person holding a plant

Past

African agriculture has deep roots in traditional practices that sustained our communities for centuries. However, colonialism shifted focus to cash crops for export, often undermining food security.

a man standing in a dirt field

Present

Today, African agriculture faces challenges like inadequate infrastructure and limited access to technology. Yet, farmers are showing resilience by adopting innovations such as mobile technology and sustainable practices.

African man holding a basket of coffee beans

Future

The future holds great promise, with technology and community-driven advancements to increase yields and enhance food security. With sustainable growth, African agriculture can play a vital role in global food security.

Leading the World in Cash Crops

With a bountiful industry of natural resources, Sub-Saharan Africa has already demonstrated a competitive advantage in select cash crops: cocoa, nuts, coffee, tea, and processed horticulture. For some of these crops, like cocoa, Africa has the lowest cost of production in the world. 

80%

of the world’s vanilla is grown by small holding farmers in the hilly forests of Madagascar. 

63%

of the world’s production of cassava comes from Africa.

65%

of the global cocoa production comes from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.

25%

of Africa’s Tea Production comes from Kenya, making it the 3rd largest exporter worldwide.

a group of people selling vegetables

Challenges Facing
African Agriculture

African agriculture faces a range of challenges that limit its ability to drive economic growth and ensure food security. Key obstacles include inadequate infrastructure, limited market access, and a slow adoption of modern farming technologies.

Poor infrastructure, including inadequate roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems, hampers productivity and market access.

Many African farmers struggle to reach local and global markets due to logistical challenges and lack of information.

Limited access to modern farming tools and practices hinders the adoption of innovations that could boost productivity and sustainability.

Opportunities for Growth and Innovation

The future of African agriculture is full of promise. Modern technology is boosting farm efficiency and decision-making. Investments in infrastructure will reduce post-harvest losses and expand market access, while ongoing training is empowering farmers with essential skills. By adopting sustainable practices, Africa is set to achieve a more productive and resilient agricultural future.

a woman holding a basket of vegetables

Technology Innovation

Mobile technology, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming agriculture by improving decision-making and increasing efficiency.

two african women working on a farm

Capacity Building

Training farmers, improving agricultural education, and developing skills are crucial for unlocking the sector’s full potential.

a row of silos in a field

Infrastructure Developement

Building and improving roads, storage, and irrigation systems is essential for reducing post-harvest losses and expanding market access.

rural farmland in africa

Sustainable Farming

Embracing agroforestry, organic farming, and conservation agriculture can enhance soil health and boost productivity.

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