Africa's agriculture value chain needs to be rebuilt, says AfDB’s Martin Fregene

Africa's agriculture sector is facing a pivotal moment as it seeks to rebuild and strengthen its value chain against various shocks, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and insecurity in certain regions. Martin Fregene, the Director for Agriculture and Agro-Industry at the African Development Bank, emphasized the crucial need for accessible financing to support African countries in developing crop varieties that are tolerant to drought and other challenges. Fregene highlighted the recent meeting where 17 heads of states discussed strategies to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector against future crises. During the meeting, a consensus was reached on the importance of innovating crop varieties that can withstand droughts and other climate-related issues. It was also stressed that a robust financing facility is essential to ensure that African nations can access the necessary resources to strengthen their agricultural sectors. Fregene outlined the plan to scale up drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant crop varieties, benefiting millions of farmers across the continent and enhancing overall resilience in food production. The impact of COVID-19 on Africa's food security was a key topic of discussion. With agriculture playing a significant role in the continent's economies and employing a substantial portion of the population, the pandemic-induced disruptions highlighted the vulnerabilities in the sector. Fregene underscored the importance of boosting productivity and diversifying markets to mitigate risks and stabilize food supplies. Moreover, the conversation delved into addressing the complex issue of insecurity affecting agricultural production in regions like the Sahel and parts of Southern Africa. Fregene acknowledged the challenges posed by conflicts and terrorism in these areas, emphasizing the imperative to restore stability to enable agricultural development. Collaborative efforts with international partners, including the G7 and G20, are being leveraged to combat insecurity and promote sustainable agriculture. Fregene emphasized the need for modernization and increased investment in Africa's agriculture sector to align with technological advancements and overcome existing challenges. The evolving landscape of agriculture necessitates a forward-thinking approach to ensure food security, economic stability, and climate resilience across the continent. By prioritizing innovation, financing, and security, Africa's agriculture value chain can be rebuilt for a sustainable and prosperous future.