AGRA’s Nwafor explains why partnerships are key to driving inclusive agricultural transformation

Agricultural investments in Africa have experienced a notable increase over the past decade, leading to heightened productivity and stronger economic growth. With agriculture currently contributing at least 23% to Africa's GDP, the importance of policies and investments that bolster resilient farming systems cannot be understated. Dr. Apollos Nwafor, the Vice President for Policy and State Capability at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, discussed the critical role of partnerships in driving inclusive agricultural transformation during an interview with CNBC Africa. Dr. Nwafor highlighted the establishment of the Center for African Leaders in Agriculture as a crucial step towards enhancing AGRA's investments and supporting governments in achieving inclusive agricultural transformation. This initiative aims to address the challenges identified by member states of the African Union within the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program, such as the need to strengthen capacity and ensure effective implementation of agricultural commitments. One of the key drivers of economic growth across the African continent is the agriculture sector. However, several gaps persist, hindering the sector's ability to yield desired results and contribute significantly to the economy. Issues such as limited access to inputs for smallholder farmers, insufficient private sector investments, coordination challenges among stakeholders, and inadequate absorptive capacity have been identified as key obstacles. Furthermore, Dr. Nwafor emphasized the importance of aligning investments with policy priorities to drive inclusive agricultural transformation and stimulate economic growth. He underscored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agriculture sector, necessitating a reevaluation of existing policies and frameworks to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the industry. In response to the changing landscape brought about by the pandemic, efforts are underway to scale up investments in sustainable farming practices and enhance food security by 2030. Dr. Nwafor acknowledged the progress made by various African governments in increasing public sector investments in agriculture and positioning the sector as a pivotal driver of economic growth. However, he emphasized the need for continued and strategic investments to ensure that the desired results outlined in national economic agendas and agricultural commitments are met. As the agriculture sector plays a crucial role in the continent's economic development, the imperative of forging partnerships, driving investments, and enhancing capacity-building efforts becomes increasingly paramount. Through collaborative initiatives like the Center for African Leaders in Agriculture, AGRA aims to empower stakeholders, address existing gaps, and catalyze sustainable transformation in the agricultural landscape of Africa.