Cultivating resilience: Africa’s path to transforming food systems amidst mounting challenges

By Elias Hakizimana

As climate change intensifies and economic uncertainty looms, Africa finds itself at a crucial crossroads in the quest for sustainable agriculture. The Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2024, held in Kigali, served as a critical venue for addressing these pressing issues and charting a course for the continent’s food systems transformation.

During a press conference on September 3, 2024, at the Kigali Convention Centre, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), underscored the importance of forging strong partnerships and embracing innovative strategies to overcome the challenges facing the agricultural sector.

“This forum is about fostering collaboration and expanding opportunities. It unites policymakers, the private sector, and diverse stakeholders to evaluate our progress and pinpoint areas that need attention,” Dr. Kalibata noted.

Dr. Kalibata also emphasized the necessity of integrating environmental stewardship and agroecology into agricultural practices to ensure long-term sustainability. She highlighted the use of organic fertilizers and the adoption of agroforestry as vital measures to replenish and preserve soil health.

“Our soils are losing their nutrients, and it’s crucial to use the right fertilizers. Agroecology and environmentally-friendly practices are fundamental to maintaining the health of our ecosystems,” she stated.

Despite these proactive measures, Dr. Kalibata acknowledged that significant hurdles remain, with climate change posing the most immediate threat.

“We’re encountering increasingly erratic weather patterns—droughts, floods, and intense heat—that jeopardize sustainable agriculture. Coupled with global and local financial challenges, these issues are limiting our farmers’ capacity to invest in agriculture. Without substantial investment, our momentum will falter,” she cautioned.

During the forum, AGRA released its 2024 Africa Agriculture Status Report, titled “Harnessing the Private Sector for Food Systems Transformation in Africa.” The report highlights the pivotal role that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play in driving agricultural and economic transformation across Africa. Dr. Kalibata emphasized that unlocking the potential of the private sector is essential for achieving meaningful progress in food systems transformation.

Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of involving women and youth in the agricultural revolution.

“Our farmers need to adopt innovative technologies, secure affordable loans, and insure their crops and livestock. Achieving these goals requires collective action within Rwanda, throughout Africa, and beyond. We must harness food security, share knowledge, and scale our ambitions,” Dr. Musafiri urged.

Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, reiterated the critical role of youth and women in advancing sustainable food systems.

“We need to ensure that the challenges identified lead to sustainable solutions within our food systems transformation agenda, from local initiatives to global coordination as guided by the United Nations. Youth and women are the driving force behind this transformation,” Sene emphasized.

As Africa continues to confront these formidable challenges, the insights and strategies emerging from the Africa Food Systems Forum offer a clear direction for the continent’s future. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and investment, Africa is poised to build a resilient and sustainable food system that can meet the demands of its growing population.

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