The Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA)’s Post

Africa Private Equity News partner PwC South Africa has released a new report titled 'South African agribusiness at a crossroads'. “South Africans purchased less food in 2023 due to pressure on their buying power. In other words, people were simply able to do less with their salaries and wages as their income failed to keep up with inflation. The direction that agribusinesses now need to look into are ways to ensure they are amplifying their efforts to meet the increasing demand for food, whilst upholding the importance of sustainable practices,” says Andrew Dale, PwC's Africa Agribusiness Leader. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dCNQGEYt #southafrica #agribusiness

Unfortunately, the challenge is funding tends to be more accessible downstream (to traders and distribution) in the agri-food value chain rather than to the actual producers and processors. Furthermore, proportion of credit advanced towards agriculture is below the sector's contribution to many African countries' economies. We need to put our money where our mouths are.

AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. has released the third edition of the “From Crisis to Opportunity: 2023 African Agribusiness #Outlook”, which sheds light on the impact of the ‘triple #crisis’ – COVID-19 #pandemic, #climatechange and the Russia–Ukraine #conflict – on small and medium-sized #agribusinesses in #Nigeria, #Zambia and #Tanzania.

AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. has released the third edition of the “From Crisis to Opportunity: 2023 African Agribusiness #Outlook”, which sheds light on the impact of the ‘triple #crisis’ – COVID-19 #pandemic, #climatechange and the Russia–Ukraine #conflict – on small and medium-sized #agribusinesses in #Nigeria, #Zambia and #Tanzania.

🌱 The path to Nigeria's agricultural transformation and food self-sufficiency runs through our rural communities – specifically, through the hands of women farmers who have long been the backbone of our agricultural sector. As our nation faces rapid urbanization and increasing food security challenges, it is time to recognise and invest in these unsung heroes of agriculture. 💡Three key areas demand immediate attention: - Access to agricultural finance and credit facilities - Training in modern, sustainable farming practices - Active inclusion in agricultural policy-making The future of Nigeria's food security lies in empowering rural women farmers. That way, we are also investing in Nigeria's future economic growth and social development. 👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/3AEZH94 #WomenInAgriculture #FoodSecurity #RuralDevelopment #AgribusinessAfrica

In Nigeria, one woman is leading her community to use sustainable farming methods, as well as technology, to thrive. Rabi Attah Habibu’s Likoro Women Farmers’ Cooperative is playing an integral role in fighting food insecurity and increasing income levels. Learn more about how private-sector partnerships between agricultural companies and the USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub are helping smallholder farmers in the region. https://lnkd.in/g2Ji7e_8

Raphael, your article brilliantly underscores the critical role of optimized agricultural value chains in transforming Africa's agribusiness landscape. By enhancing productivity, reducing wastage, and improving market access, these strategies not only bolster food security but also drive economic growth and sustainability. Collaboration among stakeholders is indeed essential to overcome existing challenges and unlock the continent's full potential. Thank you for shedding light on such an impactful topic. #AgriculturalValueChains #FoodSecurity #EconomicDevelopment #africa #africarising #sustainability #productivity #climateaction

This study proves that what we are doing with AlphaSeeds (Philantropic Investment) and AlphaTalents Africa (Impact Investment) is the right solution for a true sustainable investment strategy, in our case investing in Agri Businesses in Africa.

I guess it's partially right to say the season has begun and all agric stakeholders in Nigeria are either fully prepared or making preparations to get the best out of the incoming season. These past few weeks have been quite busy and exciting for me. I had a speaking engagement and even took up a consultancy role at a company I love and admire so much. But this post is not about that, it's about the lack of consistency in the Nigerian agric space and how our politicians can help make a difference. Reflecting on recent engagements and discussions, it's evident that the Nigerian agricultural sector is at a very critical point where something needs to be done ASAP. Hunger is in the land and trust me, the only way our farmers can produce at capacity to effectively tackle the current food crisis in Nigeria is to employ mechanization and use quality inputs. Note: You do not need millions to practise mechanized farming, there are tools for every category of farmer - reach out for free consultation Mechanization isn't merely a convenience; it's the key to unlocking commercial excellence for every farmer. Despite its undeniable potential, the sector still struggles with a persistent obstacle: a lack of continuity. This isn't just a theoretical concern; it's a firsthand experience that underscores the challenges we face. A visit to many of our local governments in Nigeria will convince you that this is true. So many abandoned machines and projects because of lack of continuity. Considering the recent initiatives and policies being implemented by some state governments, it is right to assume that we are well on our way to efficiently fight the emerging food crisis in Nigeria. While I appreciate the efforts of these administrations, my biggest worry is that a change in government will come with a reset button, because new leaders seek to carve out their legacies rather than building upon existing foundations. This cycle does not only slow us down, it undermines the long-term sustainability of our endeavors. To all government officials and politicians - It's time for a paradigm shift, a shift towards prioritizing continuity and sustainability over short-term political agendas. Building upon the successes of your predecessors isn't a sign of weakness; it's a testament to strategic foresight and a commitment to enduring progress. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities before us, let's remember that the true measure of success lies not in fleeting accolades but in the lasting impact we leave for generations to come. Let's build a future where mechanization isn't just a tool, but a cornerstone of agricultural excellence in Nigeria. World Food Programme Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala TEMITOPE AROGE Heifer International Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development African Development Bank Group The World Bank Senator Babafemi Ojudu ,CON Zainab Ahmed #Agriculture #Mechanization #Nigeria #Sustainability #Continuity #Leadership #legacy

Why I Do What I Do: A Journey of Purpose and Passion. I am an agri-entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in agriculture, agribusiness, marketing, and women's economic empowerment. As the founder and CEO of Topcity Enterprises Ltd, I work to transform agro commodities trading and fresh produce storage and distribution in Nigeria. Here’s what I do and why it matters: What I Do: 1.Agro Commodities Trading: I connect farmers with markets to sell their produce. 2. Cold Storage Solutions: I provide off-grid cold storage as a service to reduce food waste and keep produce fresh. 3. Women Empowerment: I run a cooperative that helps rural women in agribusiness. 4. Food Processing: I teach women how to process food to add value to their products. 5. Farm Waste Recycling: I promote methods to recycle waste, making farming more sustainable. 6. Market Linkage: I connect farmers to buyers to improve their profitability. Why I Do What I Do: 1. Promote Sustainable Agriculture: I believe that sustainable practices can protect our environment while feeding our communities. 2. Reduce Food Waste: By improving storage and distribution, I aim to cut down on the food that goes to waste. 3. Boost Farmers’ Profitability: Farmers work hard, and I want to ensure they earn a fair income for their efforts. 4. Empower Women: Many women in rural areas face barriers. By supporting them, I help them become leaders in their communities. 5. Inspire Change: I want to inspire others to see the potential in agriculture and the importance of supporting local farmers. My dedication to uplifting women and promoting sustainable agricultural practices has made me an inspiration in my community and beyond. I believe that together, we can create a brighter future for agriculture and empower the next generation of farmers. Join me on this journey to transform agriculture and uplift women in our communities!