Reimagining Africa’s agriculture in the next 50 years

Heifer International, a global organization with a mission to end hunger, poverty, and care for the earth, is commemorating a significant dual milestone – 80 years of global impact and 50 years of empowering smallholder farmers in Africa. To mark this occasion, Heifer International hosted the AYuTe NextGen event, themed 'Reimagining Africa's Agriculture in the Next 50 Years,' bringing together young African innovators and agripreneurs with key players in the agricultural and youth development sectors on the continent. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Surita Sandosham, President and CEO of Heifer International, shared insights into the organization's work and vision for the future. The key theme of the discussion centered around harnessing the potential of youth, technology, and innovation to drive agricultural transformation and address challenges faced by smallholder farmer families in Africa. Key Points: 1. Youth Empowerment and Technological Innovation: Sandosham emphasized the critical role of youth in addressing poverty and hunger in Africa. By connecting young people to technology and supporting their innovative ideas through programs like AYuTe, Heifer International aims to drive agricultural growth and create sustainable solutions for smallholder farmer families. The organization provides catalytic funding, mentoring, and ecosystem support to nurture youth-led initiatives that can positively impact the agriculture sector. 2. Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement: Sandosham highlighted the importance of building partnerships with governments, investors, and other stakeholders to overcome financial and market barriers that hinder youth participation in agriculture. Heifer International collaborates with governmental bodies in African countries to create an enabling environment for youth-led agricultural innovation. By fostering trust, showcasing proof of concept, and leveraging investment opportunities, the organization seeks to facilitate sustainable change and amplify the impact of youth-led initiatives. 3. Climate Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Solutions: Recognizing the challenges posed by climate change, Sandosham underscored the significance of climate smart tactics and innovations in African agriculture. Young innovators supported by Heifer International are developing solutions in partnership with smallholder farmers to address climate-related issues and enhance agricultural productivity. By harnessing the wisdom and experience of farmers and leveraging technology, innovative solutions are being created to build resilience and sustainability in the agriculture sector. Sandosham also emphasized the long-term impact and sustainability of Heifer International's programs, highlighting the organization's efforts to measure the financial impact on families receiving livestock and training. With a focus on achieving sustainable living incomes for smallholder farmer families, Heifer International aims to continue its work and deepen its impact in the 19 countries where it operates. The organization envisions a future where youth, technology, and agriculture converge to drive productivity and create transformative change. In conclusion, Heifer International's commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and fostering youth-led innovation in African agriculture reflects a proactive approach to addressing food security, poverty, and environmental sustainability. By harnessing the potential of young people and leveraging technology, the organization is paving the way for a resilient and inclusive agricultural landscape in Africa.