Category: Blog

By Deogratius Magero, Youth Engagement Manager, CABI

Young people in agriculture are transforming the future of food systems and advancing cooperation through technology and partnerships. Across the globe, young people are strengthening food value chains by embracing innovation and collaborating widely across borders.

In Africa, young people are becoming the dynamic engine of agriculture. The World Economic Forum reports that the sector employs more than 50% of the continent’s workforce, and over 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. A tremendous opportunity, therefore, exists to harness the energy and entrepreneurship of young people. From biological control and pest management, promotion of digital advisory tools to pesticide risk reduction and spray service provision, they have the potential to revolutionise food systems in Africa.

This blog explores how young people in agriculture are becoming powerful agents of change. Together, using technology and partnerships, they are paving the way to better farming systems. In turn, their approaches are supporting the realization of important global goals, including climate adaptation, economic growth, and food security.

Driving change through agricultural technology

Young people in Africa are driving innovations in farming. Quick to adopt new tools, many see technology not only as a means of improving food security, but also as a way to build thriving businesses. With access to training initiatives, young people in agriculture are adopting and implementing new, sustainable food systems and ways of growing and selling produce. The results are improving the lives of those trained, their peers as well as others in their larger farmer communities.

The benefits of biocontrol

Take biological control (biocontrol), for example. In Zambia, biocontrol training has helped young people to manage the spread of fall armyworm while improving food safety and security. Climate change has worsened the spread of crop pests and invasive species. Fall armyworm, for example, affects nearly 98% of smallholder maize farmers in Zambia. As a result, the country faces estimated losses of US $159 million each season. Women and poorer farmers are hardest hit.

To address this, in 2023, CABI launched a three-year project with ACIAR, the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI), and the University of Zambia. The initiative trained young people aged 18-35 in agribusiness. They learned to produce and apply biocontrol products like Fawligen and Metarhizium rileyi – innovative new technologies that offer eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. Specifically, these products help farmers to control the spread of fall armyworm more sustainably, increasing yields and protecting biodiversity.

Biocontrol is a critical part of building sustainable food systems. It reduces reliance on harmful chemicals, protecting beneficial insects and increasing yields. From farm to fork, it supports safer food production for smallholders and consumers alike.

In July 2024, 20 young people (12 women and 8 men) started training across four districts. In addition to training in agribusiness, the youths shared their skills and training with over 80 peers. Together, they formed four youth cooperatives with over 100 youth members across the four districts and set up local spray services, exploring new sources of income and benefitting around 3,000 farmers in their communities. To scale up the impact of this initiative, 45 young people from the four cooperatives have been trained as trainers in agribusiness in partnership with the University of Zambia, Zambia Agricultural Research Institute and CABI. These young trainers will now work to educate an additional 1,500 farmers on the shift from traditional farming to a more strategic agribusiness approach. Additionally, representatives from the youth cooperatives received training focused on using their cooperatives as tools for generating income. This equips them with the knowledge to leverage the cooperative structure for economic benefit, further enhancing the project’s impact beyond the direct training of individual farmers.

This novel initiative is driving tangible change by empowering youth to lead agribusiness ventures and promote sustainable pest management.

Creating impact at scale through partnerships

Across regions, young people are working in partnership to build successful agribusinesses. By collaborating with local businesses, cooperatives, and development organizations, they are scaling up their efforts and creating a lasting impact. These collaborations are not only boosting youth employment but also strengthening food systems and driving innovation in sustainable agriculture.

Collaboration for sustainable solutions

The PlantwisePlus youth empowerment work is driving a transformative movement of young people in Kenya and Uganda. Here, youths and local agricultural cooperatives are co-creating and spearheading modern agribusiness. In collaboration with a range of partners, CABI trains young people in food production, value chain development and agricultural service provision through the programme. New skills are developed in technical areas such as integrated pest management, orchard management, and spray service provision in addition to business and financial literacy.

Partnership is a central element of effective food systems because they rely on so many interconnected factors. No single actor can solve challenges within food systems alone. From food production to distribution, these systems rely on diverse expertise and knowledge.

Collaborative models like PlantwisePlus are unlocking scalable pathways to sustainable agricultural growth. The programme plays a strategic role by connecting key actors and equipping young people with the tools, skills, and platforms they need to build successful agribusinesses. Through practical training, mentorship, and support from cooperatives and exporters, the initiative empowers youths to lead innovation, strengthen value chains, and contribute to more resilient food systems.

The initiative has gone from strength to strength, boosting business growth and incomes among trainees in Kenya and Uganda. The young service providers who participated now earn up to $115/month in Kenya and $56/month in Uganda. In addition, access to loans has increased their agribusiness ventures. Trained youths are now mentoring peers, up to 4-6 mentees each and some have established agro-shops independently. Moreover, cooperatives have reported increased food production, memberships and market access.

Furthermore, the initiative has had a ripple effect throughout the community, seeing more farmers become active again. Knowledge is being shared informally through community networks, further strengthening local food systems and showing the power of partnership.

Pathways to boost young people’s employment in agriculture

Scalable and sustainable business models across specific pathways can help to drive youth employment, and technology and partnerships form important components of these pathways. These are the findings of a CABI-led review, published in CABI Agriculture and Bioscience in June 2025. The study identified six key routes to employment for young people in agriculture:

1. Agri-dealership
2. Agri-service provision
3. Green entrepreneurship
4. Market facilitation
5. Primary production
6. Value addition

The pathways are characterized by approaches such as certification schemes, collective action, contractual arrangements, and revenue sharing. They help young entrepreneurs overcome challenges that impact food systems such as access to capital and markets.

Technology and partnerships form important parts of these pathways. When it comes to technology, the study argues that digital innovations, for example, allow rapid scaling by expanding value chains into interconnected value networks. Moreover, in relation to partnerships, the study highlights how formal and informal networks are vital for integrating youth into dynamic agricultural value chains. These connections show that youth pathways are not just about employment. They are threads that can be woven throughout food systems to make them stronger and more sustainable.

Investing in young people in agriculture – the future of food security

Young people are a driving force, helping to shape the future of agriculture. Access to training, technology, and partnerships gives a valuable boost to their employment opportunities. Yet, this access also does much more – it strengthens entire food systems and safeguards food security. CABI’s programmes and projects are helping to leverage the opportunity that young people in Africa offer. Their innovation and collective action are addressing urgent challenges such as climate change and pest outbreaks. With continued investment and support, young people in agriculture will remain at the forefront of building a greener, more resilient, and more food-secure future for all.

Le soutien des dirigeants africains, en Janvier 2025, de la Déclaration de Kampala, a transmis le message bien clair : les systèmes alimentaires africains doivent devenir plus résilients, plus inclusifs et plus durables. Les engagements de cette déclaration, qui mettent en priorité la jeunesse, les femmes et les petits agriculteurs, représentent de fortes ambitions. Le vrai défi se trouve maintenant dans la transformation de ses mots en impact concret, durable et significatif.

Les recherches basées sur les preuves seront indispensables pour réussir une telle transformation. En utilisant les approches prouvées, les gouvernements et les institutions pourront suivre les progrès, et combler l’écart entre l’engagement et la mise en œuvre. En plus de valider les mesures prises, les données permettent d’identifier celles qui produisent réellement des résultats, garantissant la responsabilité et veillant à ce qu’aucun groupe ne soit laissé pour compte.

Le TAAT Policy Enabler de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) en est un bon exemple. Créé pour enlever les obstacles pour la mise en œuvre des innovations agricoles, TAAT travaille en partenariat avec les gouvernements pour transformer et harmoniser les politiques. Ceci accélère l’adoption des technologies et des méthodes qui renforcent la productivité et la résilience à travers la chaîne de valeur agricole. Le projet a accéléré le processus d’enregistrement de variété de semences, a aligné les normes des engrais et a amélioré l’accès au financement, démontrant la vraie possibilité de traduire les politiques stratégiques sur papier, en action. Une telle preuve est importante, car chaque journée perdue à cause des obstacles bureaucratiques reste un jour où les petits agriculteurs manquent l’opportunité d’améliorer leurs récoltes, et donc, leurs revenus. 

Les recherches de CABI sur l’inclusion des femmes et des jeunes dans l’agriculture offrent un deuxième aperçu important. Ce rapport récent présente, en 10 points stratégiques, des leçons acquises à travers le continent pour les législateurs. De la provision d’accès équitable aux terres, à la mise en place des outils numériques pour les services d’extension, et des voies éclairées pour le développement des leaders jeunes et femmes dans les systèmes agroalimentaires, la priorité est désormais la création des politiques inclusives et pratiques. Aujourd’hui, reconnaître simplement l’importance de la jeunesse dans l’avenir des systèmes alimentaires africains ne suffira plus. Une politique efficace agit en créant des récompenses concrètes, des programmes de mentorat et des partenariats qui encouragent nos jeunes à participer à long-terme. De la même façon, il faut que les femmes puissent remplir davantage de rôles décisionnels, que cela soit chez les organisations coopératives, les producteurs ou dans les agro-business en général. 

Un appel aux connaissances partagées

La Déclaration de Kampala représente un engagement collectif pour transformer les systèmes alimentaires en Afrique. Mais il est important que la transformation ne reste pas une idée abstraite, et que nous voyions ces changements dans un meilleur accès aux ressources clés, l’amélioration significative de la productivité durable, et les revenus plus importants pour nos populations agricoles.

Pour cela, les plateformes telles que l’Africa Food Systems Forum (l’AFSF) sont essentielles. Rendre disponibles les recherches telles que celles de TAAT et de CABI nous permet de renforcer nos connaissances et notre compréhension afin de nous rendre responsables. Cependant, il ne faut pas conclure la discussion ainsi ; il faut continuer à produire les exemples, les recherches et les structures qui assureront que cette Déclaration soit un vrai catalyseur du changement. 

Rejoignez-nous à l’AFSF 2025, pour explorer les raisons prouvées de faire avancer les engagements de la Déclaration de Kampala, sous le thème Jeunesse africaine: Fer de lance de la collaboration, de l’innovation et de la transformation des systèmes alimentaires. L’événement, qui se déroule à Dakar, au Sénégal, vise un objectif incontournable – assurer que de tels engagements se transforment en actions concrètes, pour les jeunes, les femmes et les petits agriculteurs de l’Afrique.

When African leaders endorsed the Kampala Declaration in January 2025, they sent out the message that Africa’s food systems must be transformed to be more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. The commitments contained in the declaration, which are largely focused on youth, women, and smallholder farmers, set an ambitious agenda, but the real challenge lies in translating words into a measurable, lasting impact.

That is where evidence-led research becomes indispensable as it grounds decisions in data, using proven approaches to track progress, enabling governments and institutions to bridge the gap between commitment and implementation. In addition to validating action, evidence creates accountability, while highlighting what works, ensuring that no group is left behind.

The African Development Bank’s TAAT Policy Enabler offers a compelling example. Designed to remove bottlenecks that slow the adoption of agricultural innovations, TAAT works directly with governments to reform and harmonise policies. It has been shown to accelerate the uptake of technologies and practices that can improve productivity and resilience across entire value chains. By speeding up seed variety registration, aligning fertiliser regulations, and improving access to finance, TAAT’s work has shown how strategic policy alignment can move from paper to practice. Such evidence matters because every day lost to bureaucratic delays is a day when smallholder farmers miss out on opportunities to improve yields, income, and food security.

Another critical insight comes from CABI’s research on gender and youth inclusion in agriculture. Their most recent report distils lessons from across Africa into 10 practical focus areas for policymakers. These range from ensuring equitable access to land and finance, to integrating digital tools for extension services, to fostering leadership pathways for young people and women in agri-food systems. The emphasis now remains on designing policies that are both inclusive and actionable. For example, simply acknowledging the importance of youth in agriculture is not enough, policies must create tangible incentives, mentorship programs, and market linkages that encourage their sustained participation. Similarly, women’s involvement must move beyond token representation to genuine decision-making roles in cooperatives, producer organisations, and agribusinesses.

A Call for Shared Knowledge

The Kampala Declaration represents a collective promise to transform Africa’s food systems. But transformation is not an abstract concept, and it must be evidenced in better livelihoods, more equitable access to resources, and measurable improvements in productivity and sustainability. 

This is why platforms like the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) are critical. Surfacing research like TAAT’s policy enabler and CABI’s gender and youth inclusion framework allows us to start building the knowledge base required to hold ourselves accountable. However,the conversation cannot stop here. More examples, research, and practical frameworks are needed to ensure that the Kampala Declaration is a catalyst for real change.

Join us at the AFSF 2025, where we will be exploring multiple evidence bases for advancing the commitments of the Kampala Declaration under the theme, “Africa’s Youth: Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation”. Convening in Dakar, Senegal, the AFSF 2025 will be out to turn commitments into concrete action for Africa’s farmers, youth, and women. 

-ENDS

Partout au Sénégal, les femmes représentent 70 % de la main-d’œuvre agricole et produisent 80 % de l’alimentation du pays. Pourtant, elles continuent de faire face à de nombreux obstacles pour accéder à la terre, à l’éducation et au financement. À l’échelle mondiale, le potentiel est tout aussi frappant : selon la FAO, si les femmes avaient le même accès aux ressources que les hommes, elles pourraient augmenter les rendements agricoles de 20 à 30 %, réduisant ainsi la faim dans le monde jusqu’à 17 %.

Dans notre dernier blog, Heifer International, une organisation mondiale à but non lucratif qui œuvre pour mettre fin à la faim et à la pauvreté en soutenant les petits exploitants agricoles grâce à des formations, des outils et un meilleur accès aux marchés, raconte l’histoire d’Anta, une jeune Sénégalaise qui transforme l’agriculture avec courage, innovation et une vision audacieuse de l’avenir.

Nous explorerons comment repenser nos systèmes alimentaires pour les rendre plus inclusifs envers les femmes et les jeunes lors du Sommet 2025 du Africa Food Systems Forum.

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Le soleil de midi tape sur le champ d’Anta Sarr à Ngounjane, dans la paisible région de Thiès au Sénégal, mais elle reste impassible, une aubergine fraîchement cueillie à la main – symbole de résilience, d’innovation et d’espoir. À seulement 23 ans, Anta représente une nouvelle génération d’entrepreneurs agricoles qui remettent en question tout ce que sa communauté pensait savoir sur l’agriculture et le potentiel des femmes.

Nous avançons parce que nous avons des compétences, de la passion et la conviction de notre potentiel, dit-elle, ses yeux balayant les rangées verdoyantes de légumes. C’est bien loin du chemin que choisissent la plupart des jeunes de sa région – nombreux sont ceux qui partent, considérant l’agriculture comme une profession sans avenir. Mais Anta et ses quatre compagnes agricultrices voient autre chose : une révolution en devenir.

Leur parcours a commencé avec 21 jeunes agriculteurs – garçons et filles, animés par le rêve de transformer leur vie. Progressivement, le groupe s’est réduit. Les garçons sont partis, découragés par les défis. Mais les femmes sont restées, formant une association qu’elles ont nommée TAKKU LIGUÈYE – travailler ensemble pour construire la communauté.

Issues de familles vulnérables, Anta et ses collègues – Fatou et Nogaye – ont refusé d’être définies par leurs circonstances. Après une formation initiale à Dakar, leur directeur de formation leur a prêté un champ de deux hectares – une planche de salut qui allait devenir leur toile de transformation.

L’agriculture sans modernisation est une agriculture sans profit, déclare Anta avec passion. Cette philosophie les a amenées à adopter des technologies que beaucoup dans leur communauté considèrent avec scepticisme. Un système d’irrigation goutte à goutte alimenté par énergie solaire arrose désormais leurs cultures – un petit miracle dans une région où le travail manuel a toujours été la seule option.

Ce bond technologique n’était pas seulement une question d’efficacité. Pour ces jeunes femmes, c’était aussi une question de dignité. C’est trop difficile de manipuler des arrosoirs manuels, explique Anta. Ces méthodes sont archaïques. Nous voulons montrer que l’agriculture peut être intelligente, rentable et émancipatrice.

Leur champ raconte une histoire d’innovation. Des aubergines de différentes tailles pendent aux plantes verdoyantes, témoignage de leur savoir-faire et de leur détermination. Elles ont cultivé non seulement des légumes, mais aussi une vision de ce qui est possible quand on donne aux jeunes femmes des ressources et du soutien.

Heifer International et la coopérative ARLS sont devenus des partenaires essentiels de leur parcours. À travers leur projet de Services Climatiques pour une Résilience et une Productivité Améliorées (CSRP), ils ont fourni à Anta et ses camarades non seulement des semences et de l’équipement, mais quelque chose de plus précieux – la croyance en leur potentiel. La supervision technique d’experts agricoles comme Aissata Ka et Lamine Sow leur a donné la confiance de rêver plus grand.

Au-delà de soi; émanciper la communauté

Le défi AYuTe Afrique, un concours annuel de Heifer International qui attribue des subventions en espèces et du mentorat aux jeunes innovateurs créant un impact significatif pour les petits agriculteurs, est devenu une autre source d’inspiration pour Anta et les autres. Il les a encouragées à se voir non plus seulement comme des agricultrices, mais comme des entrepreneures, des innovatrices et des agents de changement.

Leur objectif immédiat est pratique : économiser des bénéfices pour acheter leur propre terre et leur propre équipement. Mais leur vision est plus large et transformatrice. « Nous voulons aider nos parents, notre communauté, dit Anta. Nous voulons montrer que les jeunes femmes peuvent être autonomes, créer des opportunités là où d’autres ne voient que des limitations.

Les défis restent importants. L’accès au financement, aux équipements modernes et à la terre sont encore des obstacles majeurs, surtout pour les jeunes femmes. Mais Anta voit ces défis comme des obstacles à surmonter, et non comme des barrières.

Il y a de l’espoir, dit-elle, un sourire illuminant son visage alors qu’elle observe son champ. Chaque aubergine, chaque poivron, chaque innovation est une déclaration – sur les capacités des femmes, sur le potentiel de l’agriculture, sur la réinvention du développement à partir de ses racines.

À Ngounjane, et de plus en plus à travers le Sénégal, les jeunes femmes comme Anta plantent plus que des cultures. Elles plantent un avenir où la technologie, la passion et la détermination peuvent faire pousser n’importe quoi – même des opportunités.

Alors que le soleil commence à se coucher sur son champ, Anta Sarr se tient droite – non pas seulement comme une agricultrice, mais comme un phare d’espoir pour les jeunes, en particulier les femmes, au Sénégal.

Across Senegal, women make up 70% of the agricultural workforce and produce 80% of the nation’s food, yet they continue to face major barriers to land, education, and finance. Globally, the potential is just as stark: FAO estimates that if women had the same access to resources as men, they could boost farm yields by 20–30%, cutting global hunger by up to 17%.

In our latest blog, Heifer International, a global nonprofit working to end hunger and poverty by supporting smallholder farmers with training, tools, and market access, shares the story of Anta, a young Senegalese woman who is transforming agriculture with grit, innovation, and a bold vision for the future.

We’ll be exploring how to reshape our food systems to be more inclusive of women and youth at this year’s Africa Food Systems Forum Summit 2025.

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The midday sun beats down on Anta Sarr’s field in Ngounjane, in the sleepy Thiès region of Senegal. She stands unfazed, a freshly picked eggplant in her hand – a symbol of resilience, innovation, and hope. At just 23, Anta represents a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs challenging everything her community thought they knew about farming and women’s potential.

“We move forward because we have skills, passion, and a belief in our potential,” she says, her eyes scanning the abundant rows of vegetables. It’s a far cry from the path most young people in her region choose – many opt to leave, seeing agriculture as a dead-end profession. But Anta and her four fellow female farmers see something different: a revolution waiting to happen.

Their journey began with 21 young farmers – boys and girls with dreams of transforming their lives. Slowly, the group dwindled. The boys left, discouraged by the challenges. But the women stayed, forming an association they named TAKKU LIGUÈYE – “working together to build the community.”

Coming from vulnerable families, Anta and her colleagues – Fatou and Nogaye – refused to be defined by their circumstances. After initial training in Dakar, they were loaned a two-hectare field by their training director – a lifeline that would become their canvas of transformation.

“Agriculture without modernisation is agriculture without profit,” Anta declares passionately. This philosophy led them to embrace technology that many in their community view with scepticism. A solar-powered drip irrigation system now waters their crops – a small miracle in a region where manual labour has long been the only option.

The technological leap wasn’t just about efficiency. For these young women, it was also about dignity. “It’s too hard to operate hand-held watering cans,” Anta explains. “Those methods are archaic. We want to show that agriculture can be smart, profitable, and empowering.”

Their field tells a story of innovation. Eggplants of various sizes hang from flourishing plants, a testament to their skill and determination. They’ve cultivated not just vegetables, but a vision of what’s possible when young women are given resources and support.

Heifer International and the ARLS cooperative became crucial partners in their journey. Through their Climate Services for improved Resilience and Productivity (CSRP) project, they provided Anta and her mates not just seeds and equipment, but something more valuable; belief in their potential. Technical supervision from agricultural experts like Aissata Ka and Lamine Sow gave them the confidence to dream bigger.

Beyond self; empowering community

The AYuTe Africa Challenge, an annual competition by Heifer International that awards cash grants and mentorship to young innovators creating meaningful impact for smallholder farmers, became another source of inspiration for Anta and others. It encouraged them to begin to see themselves as more than just farmers – but as entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers.

Their immediate goal is practical: save profits to buy their own land and equipment. But their broader vision is transformative. “We want to help our parents, our community,” Anta says. “We want to show that young women can be self-sufficient and can create opportunity where others see only limitation.”

The challenges remain significant. Access to finance, modern equipment, and land are still major hurdles, especially for young women. But Anta sees these as challenges to overcome, not barriers to stop her.

“There is room for hope,” she says, a smile breaking across her face as she looks over her field. Each eggplant, each pepper, each innovation is a statement – about women’s capabilities, about agriculture’s potential, about reimagining development from the ground up.

In Ngounjane, and increasingly across Senegal, young women like Anta are planting more than just crops. They’re planting a future where technology, passion, and determination can grow anything – even opportunity.

As the sun begins to set over her field, Anta Sarr stands tall – not just as a farmer, but as a beacon of hope for young people, particularly women, in Senegal.

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Senegal has everything it needs to thrive in agriculture — fertile soil, generations of know-how, and a rising wave of youthful innovation. So why is the country still importing so much of its food, especially rice? Each person in Senegal eats around 100 kilos of rice a year, but local farms produce less than half of that. And it’s not just rice. This reliance on imports runs across nearly all food products.

It’s not just a supply issue, it’s structural. The core problem is that we’re exporting value. Like many African nations, Senegal is stuck in a cycle: farmers grow excellent crops, but there’s limited local capacity to turn them into finished products. So, we export raw goods at low prices, only to buy them back later at a premium. That’s money, jobs, and opportunity leaving the country.

Take cashews. In 2021, Senegal grew about 8 million kilos — but processed only 5% of them locally. Imagine the extra income and jobs if we closed that loop. That gap between raw materials and finished products? It’s called the value gap, and it’s holding us back.

But change is already in motion. Across West Africa and the Sahel, young entrepreneurs are building businesses that are high-tech, environmentally smart, and people-first. They’re not waiting for permission — they’re getting on with it.

In Senegal, Arristine Mendes is transforming aquaculture with her company Shaddaï Aquaculture. She’s developed fish feed from alternative proteins, cutting out the need for fishmeal and reducing overfishing. It’s cheaper for farmers, better for the planet, and boosts local fish production. In a country where fish is essential, that’s a big deal. No surprise she won the 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Catalyst Award.

In Ghana, Dr. Iddi Mohammed Faried is tackling two challenges with one powerful idea. His company, Kodu Technology, turns banana waste into biodegradable sanitary pads, helping girls stay in school during their periods and reducing waste. Affordable, eco-friendly, and empowering? That’s the kind of innovation the region needs more of.

Over in Côte d’Ivoire, Salimata Toh is reimagining banana waste. Her business, AGRIBANANA, transforms discarded stems into biodegradable packaging and paper. It supports the environment and opens up a new income stream for smallholder farmers, especially women. Less plastic, more opportunity.

And in Nigeria, Ikenna Nzewi’s company Releaf Africa is revolutionising palm oil processing. His machine, the Kraken, can process 500kg of palm nuts per hour and cuts costs by more than 80%. That’s a game-changer for small farmers who’ve long relied on outdated, inefficient tools. With Releaf, they can waste less and earn more.

This isn’t just hype, it’s a movement

These stories are proof that youth-led innovation is driving real change. We’re seeing:

• More local jobs
• Less waste
• Climate-smart solutions
• Stronger food systems with less dependency on imports

By turning waste into value and keeping more of the process local, these young businesses are unlocking serious potential. And in a world shaken by supply chain crises, from COVID-19 to the war in Ukraine, this kind of local resilience matters more than ever.

What’s next: all eyes on Dakar

This September, the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF 2025) heads to Dakar — where leaders from across the continent will gather to discuss the future of food, sustainability, and innovation.

Crucially, the forum is spotlighting people like Dr. Faried, Salimata Toh, Ikenna Nzewi, and Arristine Mendes — because the future isn’t arriving from the outside. It’s already here, built from the ground up by bold young thinkers.

See you in Senegal.

Do you know a bold thinker, grassroots leader or pioneering institution who is transforming agriculture in Africa?


Nominations are open for the Africa Food Prize 2025 – with a US $100,000 award and the opportunity to be recognised as one of the continent’s most influential voices in food systems.

The winner will be announced this September in Dakar, Senegal during the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 – Africa’s leading platform for bold ideas, policy action and leadership in agriculture.

The deadline for entries is approaching quickly, with an extended deadline of the 30th June. Nominate now via africafoodprize.org

What makes the Africa Food Prize unmissable?

• Win US $100,000 to support your work and scale your impact
• Be recognised on a continental platform dedicated to African-led solutions
• Amplify your voice and model across networks of policymakers, investors and practitioners
• Help inspire the next generation of food system leaders

Spotlight on past winners

From smallholder champions to research trailblazers and institutional pioneers, the Africa Food Prize celebrates those who are moving African agriculture forward – from subsistence to sustainability, and from survival to success. Meet past winners below! 

• In 2024, Tinotenda Mhiko, CEO of Zimbabwe’s Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA), received the award for his role in revolutionising irrigation infrastructure, unlocking amplified production and food system resilience.
• In 2023, the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) was honoured for developing 650+ improved bean varieties that feed over 37 million people across Africa – boosting nutrition and climate resilience at scale.

Earlier laureates include:

• Dr Eric Danquah, who founded the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) in Ghana, training a generation of plant breeders who have released over 60 improved seed varieties.
• Dr Emma Naluyima, a Ugandan vet-turned-farmer who built a thriving, circular farm on just one acre, generating $100,000 a year for the farm and mentoring thousands of other farmers.
• Baba Dioum from Senegal, a veteran policymaker who played a key role in advancing cross-border trade and elevating agriculture on regional and continental agendas, including his key role in advancing the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

Who should apply?

The Africa Food Prize looks to celebrate individuals, institutions or initiatives that are:

• Reducing hunger or improving food and nutrition security in measurable ways
• Providing sustainable sources of income or employment
• Demonstrating scalable, replicable, and sustainable impact
• Leading with vision, perseverance, and collaboration—even in the face of challenges

Help us recognise the pioneers rewriting Africa’s food story and give their ideas the spotlight they deserve.

Nominations close 30 June 2025.
Nominate now via africafoodprize.org

By Enock Chikava, Director, Agricultural Delivery Systems, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

After the recent 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, one key theme stands out: the need to prioritize food and nutrition security within Africa’s broader climate agenda. This urgency cannot be overstated.

Africa is at the forefront of an escalating climate crisis that is disrupting food systems across the continent. Globally, the last decade has been the hottest on record. For Africa, the effects are already evident. Droughts, floods, mudslides, and storms have become more frequent and severe, and these extreme weather events are crippling the continent’s agricultural productivity, leaving millions vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition.

If current climate trends persist, the consequences for Africa’s agricultural output will be severe. Projections indicate that by 2030, crop yields could drop by nearly 3 percent, with a sharper decline of up to 18 percent by 2050. These declines would put 200 million people at risk of extreme hunger by 2050.

This crisis is made worse by rising temperatures, which affect not just the amount of food smallholder farmers can grow, but also its quality. Higher levels of atmospheric carbon diminish the nutritional value of staple crops, reducing their essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and protein. This double threat—lower production volume and worsening quality—heightens the urgency of focusing on climate-resilient crops that can withstand the pressures of climate change to provide nutritious diets.

The conversations in Kigali brought light to the role of climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crops in addressing these dual challenges. My three major takeaways from the forum highlight the actions required to secure the continent’s future food systems:

1. Local knowledge is vital for enhancing food security and climate resilience. Africa’s diverse communities possess a wealth of knowledge on food sources, agricultural practices, and climate adaptation strategies. This knowledge needs to be paired with climate-smart innovations that accelerate progress. Combining traditional practices with new innovations, like AI-powered weather prediction services, offers a pathway to improve hunger and nutrition while adapting to changing environmental conditions.

2. High-nutrient crop varieties tailored to Africa’s needs can transform food systems. Several crop varieties have already been developed to help communities get the nutrients they need. Two standout examples are the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and iron-rich beans. OFSP is particularly promising due to its high vitamin A content and drought resistance, allowing it to thrive in some of the continent’s most challenging environments. Similarly, iron-rich beans offer multiple benefits, providing essential nutrients like protein and minerals while being environmentally sustainable. These crops demonstrate the power of innovation to address both nutritional deficits and climate change.

3. Agricultural policies must prioritize local production and intra-Africa trade.
   Localized production is crucial because it helps diversify food systems, making communities less dependent on imported staples that can be expensive and less nutritious. By investing in local food systems and trade within Africa, smallholder farmers can improve food security, reduce transportation costs, and increase their resilience to climate challenges.

The stakes are high, but so is Africa’s potential to build a more resilient, nutritious, and sustainable food system. What emerged from Kigali was a recognition that the continent has the resources, innovations, and knowledge to solve its nutrition and climate challenges. Yet, success will require concerted efforts from all sectors—governments, philanthropy, private industry, researchers, and communities alike.