#AGRF2020: How African farmers can access markets amid COVID-19 disruptions

Agriculture is the backbone of many sub-Saharan economies, and despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has shown resilience. However, there are still significant hurdles that African farmers need to overcome to access markets and thrive in the current environment. CNBC Africa recently spoke with Jerome Barbaron, Head of Crop Protection in Africa and the Middle East at Syngenta, to delve into the key challenges and potential solutions for African farmers amidst the COVID-19 disruptions. As the African continent faces the impact of the pandemic, one crucial issue that has come to the forefront is the reliance on imported food products. Barbaron highlighted that, on average, 40 to 50 percent of the food consumed in Africa is imported, and the closure of borders due to the pandemic has created disruptions in the food supply chain. This challenge underscores the importance of enhancing Africa's internal markets and preparing for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) next year. With a focus on navigating the obstacles to market access, Barbaron emphasized the need to unleash the full potential of African agriculture by providing farmers with the necessary support and resources. Syngenta, with its extensive presence and experience across many African countries, aims to empower farmers with innovative technologies, training, and solutions to enhance productivity and yields. However, the pathway to unlocking this potential requires addressing barriers hampering market access both within Africa and beyond the continent. Ensuring that African farmers benefit from their produce is paramount to driving sustainable economic growth and transformation. The value chain in agriculture plays a crucial role in connecting farmers to markets and ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their efforts. Collaboration among stakeholders, including input providers, governments, and organizations, is essential to develop frameworks that facilitate trade and remove existing barriers. By fostering a conducive environment for farmers to access markets consistently and profitably, the entire agricultural ecosystem can thrive. Alongside market challenges, African farmers face additional threats from climate change-induced pests, such as locusts and the fall armyworm. These pest infestations have the potential to devastate crops and livelihoods, posing a long-term risk to agricultural sustainability. Barbaron emphasized the importance of adopting transformative technologies to mitigate pest risks, enhance resilience, and ensure quality harvests for farmers. By innovating and equipping farmers with the necessary tools, Africa can build more resilient food systems and empower farmers to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. The key to sustainable agricultural development lies in cohesive support from communities, governments, and industry players to foster a climate-smart approach to farming and food production. As Africa navigates the complexities of the COVID-19 era, concerted efforts to address market access barriers and climate-related challenges are essential to safeguarding the future of agriculture on the continent.