Implementing the green revolution in Africa

A new report on Africa's agricultural practices finds that ten years on, African countries that embraced agriculture saw food production, GDP, and nutrition all improve. However, as the 6th session of the African Green Revolution Forum takes shape, implementation and discussions held have taken center stage. CNBC Africa caught up with Fadel Ndiame, Regional Head - West Africa of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, to discuss the current state of agriculture in the region. Ndiame highlighted the renewed commitment to investing in agriculture that has been evident in recent years. From the Malabra declaration to commitments by heads of state, there is a push to eradicate poverty and hunger by 2025. Additionally, there is a focus on reducing post-harvest losses through improved management practices. The private sector's interest in agriculture has also increased due to the potential for reducing reliance on food imports and stimulating local production. One key challenge discussed was the need to move away from focusing solely on primary production and to also invest in processing and adding value to agricultural products. Increasing productivity and attracting investment in the post-harvest processing value chain were identified as crucial steps to drive growth in the sector. The importance of policy alignment and implementation was also emphasized during the interview. While there is a consensus on the importance of agriculture for economic development in Africa, the focus now is on ensuring that the necessary investments and policies are in place to sustain growth in the sector. Ndiame highlighted the need for clear implementation plans and accountability mechanisms to track progress towards targets such as committing 10% of GDP to agriculture. The interview also touched on the progress made by countries like Rwanda, Burundi, Benin, and Ethiopia in adopting comprehensive agricultural development programs. These early adopters have demonstrated the potential for growth and development in the sector, even in the face of challenges like climate change and environmental shifts. The importance of investing in institutions, infrastructure, and irrigation to build resilience among smallholder farmers was underscored. Overall, the key theme of the interview was the need for continued commitment and investment in agriculture to drive sustainable growth and development in Africa. The private sector's role in supporting the sector and the importance of policy implementation and accountability were highlighted as crucial factors in realizing the green revolution in Africa.