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

  𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 #𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 As we continue to strive for #ZeroHunger by 2030, it’s crucial to recognize that small-scale farmers play an indispensable role in global food production. Currently, these farmers—who often operate on just a few hectares of land—grow approximately one-third of the world’s food supply. Despite limited resources, they form the backbone of food security, especially in rural areas. But the potential they hold is far greater. With the right investments and support systems, small-scale farmers could revolutionize agricultural output, contributing to a sustainable and hunger-free future.   The Role of Small-Scale Farmers in Global Food Security Small-scale farmers are often rooted in the communities they serve, growing crops that cater directly to local needs. Their work extends beyond farming; it sustains families, supports local economies, and preserves traditional agricultural knowledge. Despite this critical role, they frequently lack access to necessary resources such as high-quality seeds, farming equipment, market information, and financial services, leaving them vulnerable to environmental shocks and market fluctuations. For instance, in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa, where SunSow Agro Limited operates, small-scale farmers represent the majority of agricultural producers. Their crops feed local populations and contribute significantly to national economies. However, without consistent investment in modern technologies, infrastructure, and sustainable practices, their productivity remains capped, and their potential untapped.   What Can Be Achieved with the Right Investments Imagine a world where small-scale farmers have access to affordable credit, reliable markets, advanced Agro-technologies, and training in sustainable farming practices. The impact could be transformative. With these resources, they could improve crop yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and diversify income through value-added products. Ultimately, they would contribute to the global food supply while improving their livelihoods and communities. At SunSow Agro Limited, we work to bridge this gap by facilitating access to markets, providing training on best farming practices, and supporting farmers in navigating the agricultural value chain. Our goal is to empower farmers to increase productivity, reduce food waste, and strengthen food systems—essential steps toward achieving #ZeroHunger.   At SunSow Agro Limited, we are proud to be part of this movement, empowering farmers and helping shape the future of food security. Together, we can create resilient agricultural systems that drive inclusive growth and nourish the world.    

(BRAZIL 10.09.24) Brazil ‘at the top of the list’ of countries that could meet rising global demand for food: report. A report from the Atlantic Council highlights Brazil as a key player in meeting the projected 60% rise in global food demand over the next decade. To maintain its status as a reliable food producer and exporter, Brazil must invest in advanced farming practices, digital agriculture and infrastructure while ensuring sustainable ecosystem management. Key recommendations include committing to global food security by maintaining food trade during crises, improving infrastructure like roads and ports, incentivizing sustainable farming practices, utilizing degraded pastureland for grain production, expanding double cropping to increase output and adopting water-efficient irrigation systems. The report stresses Brazil's strengths and the importance of strategic preparation in collaboration with the private sector and international partners. https://lnkd.in/gTBS8Xmr

When invited to be part of the panel on Value addition and market access for the #BRAINS Project, which brings together #Beans, #Bees, #Blacksoldierflies and #fruits, my thoughts turned & strolled into the/a field of beans, (not as a deserter (of my area of waste and BSF), but rather as a scout) & knowing that good ideas are often common property, I will outline a few of the good ideas here. BSF larvae and Frass fertiliser will gain significant mileage in being considered alongside beans, bees and fruits, and sometimes it will be in a roundabout kind of way. 1. #BeansforBreakfast- when growing up, one of the most memorable breakfast recepies of the time was mixed omelete, beans on toast. it was not only a filling breakfast, but also very nutritious and tasty. with time, the egg and bread remained...beans dropped off...and have remained absent for a long while. Its time to get beans back on the breakfast plate. For households as well as in bespoke #beankitchens that would be made available for urban centres; for consumption by urban workers and university students, -who are representative of the growing demography of individuals who need good nutrition but somehow are not able to get the time to cook nutritious foods and might fall back on energy dense alternatives that are readily available in the market. Urban centers are a major producer of organic waste and can serve to provide raw material for Black Soldier Fly and therein lies the initial formation of a beneficial symbiotic relationship between beans and cities! Other than convenings of project meetings the other way to show up is #BRAINSintheCities #circulareconomy, #BSFFrass Mary Thamari, PhD Dr Jemimah Njuki Dorte Verner,Rafael TutsAyuka FombongNathanial PetersonInga Jacobs-MataGeorge IrunguBiovision FoundationTANGA MBIBetty Kibaara Beatrice Muriithi (PhD Development Economics)Rachel Okeyo, PhDAyany Otieno

https://lnkd.in/d4ky2n_j Reshaping Africa’s Food Systems: Three Opportunities to Drive Sustainable, Inclusive and Scalable Impact There is probably no single sector with as much influence on sub-Saharan Africa’s future as agriculture. As of 2022, it employed more than half of the region’s labor force. However, the continent is still plagued by low yields, and is home to 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land. Moreover, the sector is constrained by highly fragmented value chains, a large agricultural finance gap and limited value addition (i.e., the processing of raw crops into higher value products), among other factors. Agriculture and food systems could be the engine of the continent’s inclusive economic growth — yet alarmingly, the industry is stalling. A lack of resilience is one key reason for this issue. Over the past few years, we have watched as one external shock after the other — from the global pandemic to the war in Ukraine — have buffeted Africa’s farmers and the food systems they support. Global supply crises like a mass shortage of fertilizer have left farms with shriveling yields, which in turn has led to rising hunger. Extreme weather is only adding fuel to the fire. Over the last three years, for instance, East Africa has suffered its worst drought in four decades, displacing over 1.4 million people in Somalia alone, and leaving more than 23 million people in danger of starvation. Smallholder farmers have done their best to adapt, but most still lack the knowledge and tools to confront these unprecedented challenges.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has released agricultural development plans for 40 countries across the continent, outlining pathways to improving food security and productivity through the industrialisation of #African #FoodSystems at a cost of $61 billion. However, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), the largest agroecology movement in the continent, argues that the AfDB initiative may potentially marginalize small-scale farmers, harm biodiversity, and foster dependency on multinational corporations for #seeds and agrochemicals. High rates of undernourishment across sub-Saharan Africa have been largely unchanged since 2005, prompting some policymakers to seek out #industrial agriculture projects as a solution. AFSA suggests focusing instead on #agroecology and #FoodSovereignty, emphasizing the importance of #sustainable agriculture and the empowerment of #peasants and small-scale #farmers. Mongabay

Can Hydroponics Solve Africa’s Food Security Challenges? Sub-Saharan Africa faces formidable food security challenges driven by climate change, political instability, and resource scarcity. The region’s agricultural sector struggles with inconsistent rainfall, degraded soil, and inadequate infrastructure, making traditional farming increasingly difficult. In this context, hydroponics—an innovative farming method that uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil—offers a potential lifeline. By exploring the experiences of farmers and researchers across Africa, we uncover how hydroponics could play a crucial role in addressing the continent’s food shortages. Hydroponics and Food Security: The Benefits Hydroponics allows for controlled environment agriculture, which can significantly enhance food production efficiency. This method involves growing plants in a water-based nutrient solution, bypassing the need for soil. It offers several advantages, including water conservation, reduced land requirements, and the ability to grow crops year-round, regardless of external weather conditions. These benefits are particularly relevant in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional agriculture faces numerous challenges. Insights from the Field Adeniyi Olayanju: A Nigerian...

"Reducing post-harvest losses in Ghana is crucial for strengthening our food systems and supporting local farmers. At the recent Graphic National Development Series, I discussed how up to 40% of locally produced fruits and vegetables go to waste. By implementing effective strategies, we can minimize these losses and create more resilient agricultural value chains. Read more on this important topic and my perspective on driving sustainable change in Ghana’s agriculture sector. 👇 #Agriculture #FoodSecurity #SustainableDevelopment #PostHarvestLosses #Ghana" https://lnkd.in/d2rf3vzi

The Union Cabinet has streamlined two major agricultural programmes—PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)—with a combined budget exceeding ₹1 lakh crore to promote sustainable farming and ensure food security. PM-RKVY focuses on fostering sustainable agricultural practices, while KY emphasises food security and self-reliance. These schemes also tackle challenges such as climate-resilient agriculture and the enhancement of value chains. Key components include Soil Health Management, Agroforestry, Crop Diversification, and support for agri-startups. This initiative aims to empower farmers and strengthen food security in the long term. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dsSCfuHt Narendra Modi #StarAgri #Agriculture #Sustainability #Farmers #FoodSecurity Amith Agarwal Amit Khandelwal Amit Mundawala Jayant Chatterjee

The CRAFT Project is transforming #Agriculture in East Africa by implementing Service Delivery Models (SDMs) that empower smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to thrive in climate-smart agriculture. 🌍🌱 By optimizing service delivery, CRAFT ensures that smallholders in the potato and sorghum value chains gain access to CSA practices, financial support, certified seeds, and mechanization services. Take Freshcrop Ltd: their hub-sites offer training, inputs, and technical services to over 6,000 farmers, enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and increasing incomes. The project is making East Africa’s agribusinesses more resilient and sustainable, creating a brighter future for all involved. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dQBxGYfh #CRAFTImpact #ClimateSmartAgriculture #SustainableFarming

The TSIRO Alliance is making waves in transforming youth in agriculture! Here's a snapshot of their impressive work.   The Alliance has successfully integrated young farmers into high-value crop value chains, focusing on #cacao and #spices. Their approach is market-led and involves close collaboration with private-sector companies.   Key Achievements so far include:   👨🌾 Provided training to over 11,000 farmers, including 4,000 young people 🌾 Produced 830,000 trees (cash crops, fruit, and endemic trees) 💰 Generated $1.2 million in sales from cash crops 🌳 Restored approximately 3,130 hectares of land and forest fragments 🍫 Leveraged $913,000 from private sector partners.   The project demonstrates that specialty food companies can play a crucial role in engaging youth across the entire value chain, from farming to post-harvest activities. This creates long-term job opportunities for young people in agriculture.   Youth are contributing innovative solutions in various aspects of the agricultural sector, including farming techniques, marketing strategies, financing methods, and environmental services. Their involvement benefits all program partners and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.   TSIRO's success shows that investing in youth in agriculture can lead to significant economic and environmental benefits while ensuring a sustainable future for the industry. The TSIRO Alliance is a collaborative initiative focused on conserving biodiversity and improving the livelihoods of smallholder cacao and spice farmers in Madagascar. It's a partnership between USAID, Catholic Relief Services, the HEIRLOOM CACAO PRESERVATION FUND, and private sector companies, including Beyond Good, Guittard Chocolate Company, Akesson's Organic, Sahanala Madagascar, and Specialty Cocoa and Chocolate Associates working together to support agroforestry systems and enhance biodiversity in the country. #TSIRO