Agriculture: Backbone of Africa’s Economies

Historically, Agriculture has been the lifeline of African economies, and today, its importance is recognized as a major sector capable of driving widespread economic transformation.

With the sector contributing approximately 22 percent of Africa’s GDP and employing over 60 percent of the continent’s labor force, this sector has a significant impact on African livelihoods and economic stability. By investing in agriculture, Africa has the potential to accelerate GDP growth, enhance food security, create employment opportunities, mitigate inflation, and address social issues such as banditry. The strategic focus on agriculture is essential for sustainable development across Africa and creating a more resilient future.

Africa has vast arable land, a favourable climate, and diverse agricultural products, which create significant opportunities for boosting productivity and exports. Despite these advantages, African agriculture has historically been underdeveloped, with many countries relying on subsistence farming practices that yield low productivity.

Investment in modern agricultural practices, such as mechanisation, efficient irrigation systems, improved seed varieties, and climate-smart farming techniques, can significantly boost crop yields and production volumes. This productivity increase can drive GDP growth by raising the agricultural sector’s output, expanding exports, and creating a ripple effect that benefits related industries, such as agro-processing, transportation, and retail. Furthermore, exporting agricultural products generates foreign exchange earnings, helping countries strengthen their economies and build reserves for economic stability.

Lets look at the many benefits of Agriculture to the continent

Guaranteed Food Security

Food security is a major issue in Africa, where millions face hunger and malnutrition due to inadequate food production, high import dependency, and limited access to affordable food. Strengthening agriculture is essential for addressing these challenges. As African countries increase food production through modernised and efficient agricultural practices, they can reduce reliance on food imports, thereby protecting themselves from global food price volatility and supply chain disruptions.

Increased food production also enables African nations to supply enough food to meet domestic demand, making food more accessible and affordable for the population. This improvement in food security reduces malnutrition, enhances public health, and supports productivity by ensuring that citizens are better nourished and able to contribute to the economy. Moreover, food security fosters resilience, allowing countries to withstand external shocks, such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts, that impact global food supplies.

Africa is blessed with a young and rapidly growing population, with employment creation becoming a crucial focus for the continent’s leaders. Labour-intensive agriculture holds enormous potential to absorb this workforce, especially in rural areas with limited employment opportunities. By shifting from subsistence to commercial agriculture and developing agro-industries, Africa can create various job opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Agricultural development includes crop cultivation and areas like food processing, distribution, marketing, and technology services. Each area creates new roles, ranging from skilled and semi-skilled labour to entrepreneurship opportunities for agripreneurs who can drive innovation and efficiency in the sector. Additionally, as agribusinesses grow, they stimulate local economies, increase household incomes, and promote rural development. This employment generation reduces poverty and encourages the development of a stable, prosperous rural society.

Crubing banditry and social restiveness

It’s no longer news that rural poverty and lack of economic opportunities are among the root causes of banditry and social instability in Africa. Young people, who often lack education and employment, may turn to crime or illegal activities as a means of survival. This situation is especially prevalent in areas where agriculture has declined or climate change has disrupted traditional farming practices, leading to food scarcity and economic insecurity.

By creating sustainable agricultural jobs, improving rural incomes, and promoting agribusiness, Africa can address some of the drivers of banditry. A thriving agricultural sector provides young people with alternatives to crime, fostering a sense of purpose and improving community stability. Furthermore, agricultural investment brings infrastructure, education, and healthcare to rural areas, which enhances the quality of life, reduces poverty, and contributes to a culture of peace. In this way, agricultural development has a direct impact on reducing social instability, which in turn creates a safer environment for investment and long-term growth.

Reduces inflation through domestic food production

Inflation is persistent in many African countries, often driven by high food prices. Because many African nations rely on food imports, they are vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices and currency devaluation. This dependency contributes to inflation, as the cost of imported food rises with global market shifts, impacting the cost of living and reducing purchasing power.

With an increase in domestic food production, inflation is controlled by stabilising food prices. When local production meets or exceeds demand, the reliance on imports decreases, which makes food prices more predictable and affordable. Moreover, reducing food imports strengthens the local currency, as less foreign exchange is spent on purchasing food abroad. By boosting agricultural productivity, African countries can mitigate inflationary pressures, create a more stable economic environment, and improve consumer affordability, particularly for low-income households disproportionately affected by rising food prices.

Agricultural Development in Africa and Challenges

While agriculture remains a solution to economic transformation, several challenges form impediments to its progress. African farmers need more access to financing, adequate infrastructure, climate-related risks, and market access. These obstacles must be addressed to fully unlock the potential of agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and social stability.

Finance as a Vital Ingredient

Smallholder farmers often need more financial resources to invest in quality inputs, modern equipment, or advanced techniques. Affordable financing options like microloans, subsidies, and insurance enable farmers to improve productivity.

Developing Infrastructure

Poor infrastructure, such as inadequate roads, storage facilities, and limited electricity, hampers market access and leads to significant post-harvest losses. Investing in rural infrastructure is vital for connecting farmers to markets, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity.

Understanding Climate Change in Agriculture

Agriculture in Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change, with weather patterns becoming very unpredictable, droughts, and floods impacting crop yields. Climate-smart agricultural practices, such as conservation agriculture, crop diversification, and resilient crop varieties, are essential for building resilience.

Value Chains and Access to Markets

Fragmented value chains and limited market access prevent farmers from reaching larger, more profitable markets. Developing efficient supply chains and establishing agricultural cooperatives can help farmers access markets, improve bargaining power, and increase profitability.

The Role of Private Sectors, Private Sectors, Other Investors

To fully explore the potential of agriculture, African governments, private sector entities, and development partners must work together to create an enabling environment for agricultural transformation. Some key initiatives include:

Investment in Agricultural Technology and Mechanisation

Technologies such as precision farming, improved irrigation methods, and digital platforms can significantly increase productivity. Digital solutions, including mobile apps, can provide farmers with real-time information on weather, crop prices, and best practices.

Building Capacity and Training

Vocational training and extension services are vital for equipping farmers with modern skills and knowledge, particularly for young people entering agriculture. Agripreneurship programs can also encourage youth to view agriculture as a profitable and sustainable career.

Public- Private Relationships

The relationship between governments, private enterprises, and non-governmental organisations can help develop robust agricultural value chains, expand access to finance, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Strengthening policy frameworks

Governments can play a crucial role by implementing policies that support rural development, improve land tenure security, and incentivise agricultural investment. Tax incentives, subsidies, and land reforms are policies that can create a more favourable environment for agribusiness.

Agriculture is at the heart of Africa’s sustainable growth and development pathway. Agriculture can transform the continent as a sector that drives GDP growth, ensures food security, provides employment, reduces inflation, and addresses social instability. By investing in agricultural modernisation, strengthening rural economies, and empowering smallholder farmers, Africa can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector.

In doing so, Africa will secure food and jobs for its population, build resilient economies, foster social stability, and pave the way for a prosperous future. As African countries prioritise agricultural development, they set a course for economic self-reliance and create a foundation for inclusive growth that will benefit future generations.

News

Nigeria Adopts AI, Climate Intelligence to Monitor Food Production -Vice President Shettima

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday said Nigeria is adopting Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technologies to revamp its food systems, marking a new phase in the country’s approach to food security at a time when climate shocks, conflicts, and market disruptions are intensifying global hunger.

He dislcosed this while speaking at the opening session of the United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Shettima where he said AI, geospatial analytics, and satellite-driven climate intelligence are now central to Nigeria’s agricultural strategy.

”Artificial intelligence, geospatial analytics, and satellite-driven climate intelligence are now part of our agricultural vocabulary.”

We are deploying these tools to monitor production, enhance transparency, connect producers to markets, and reduce waste across the value chain.

”Our faith in the capacity of our people remains unshaken. In partnership with the African Development Bank and IFAD, we are investing in Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. These hubs are not just places of production. They are engines of transformation.”

He said that they were creating jobs, attracting private capital, and linking rural producers to national and global markets.

The vice-president added, ” But production is not enough. We believe that a sustainable food system must also be a healthy one.”

The summit, building on the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit and the first stocktake in 2023, is focused on accelerating efforts to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. For Nigeria, Shettima noted, food and nutrition security are now at the heart of the National Development Plan 2021–2025 and the Nigeria Agenda 2050.

He cited ongoing investments in Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, developed in partnership with the African Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The zones, he said, aim to generate jobs, attract private capital, and integrate rural farmers into national and global supply chains.

But Shettima stressed that boosting production alone is insufficient. Nigeria has scaled up school feeding programs, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and community-led nutrition education initiatives. Through the Nutrition 774 initiative, he explained, all of Nigeria’s 774 local governments are being placed at the center of nutrition delivery.

“This is more than a summit. This is a reckoning,” Shettima said. “The scars of conflict, the uncertainties of climate, the distortions of markets, and the missteps in policy are all calling us to renew our commitment to multilateralism. A broken food system in any part of the world diminishes the dignity of humanity as a whole.”

The Federal Executive Council has also approved the National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, intended to operationalize Nigeria’s revised food and nutrition policy. In addition, new Nutrition Departments are being created across relevant ministries to strengthen governance and accountability.

The urgency of such reforms was echoed by other leaders at the summit. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called for predictable concessional financing for African agriculture, warning that hunger and climate change are “deeply linked.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a recorded message, said food systems are about “more than food, they are about climate, justice, and the right to a better future.”

Despite global pledges, hunger has been rising. Guterres warned that economic slowdowns, conflicts, and declining development assistance have undermined progress since 2021. Yet, as Shettima emphasized, Nigeria intends to position itself as a leader in shaping resilient food systems that not only meet immediate needs but also secure long-term sustainability.

CREDIT – NAIRAMETRICS

Gardening, News

Crashing Onion Prices in Nigeria: Producers Deny Impact of Niger Republic Imports

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) and the Regional Observatory of Onion in West and Central Africa (ORO/WCA) have refuted as misleading a recent report alleging that massive onion imports from the Niger Republic are responsible for falling prices in Nigeria.

In a joint statement issued in Sokoto on Sunday, the associations described the report as “false, unfounded, and unsupported by any credible trade or market data.”

The bodies emphasised Nigeria’s dominance in onion production within Sub-Saharan Africa, asserting that the country remains a net exporter of onions—not an importer—especially to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic.

“Nigeria’s domestic production far exceeds that of Niger Republic, which actually depends on our supply during its lean seasons,” the statement noted.

To expatiate their position, the associations presented current market price data revealing that importing onions from Niger is commercially unviable.

“As of July 2025, onions in Niger Republic cost between 35,000 to 50,000 CFA (₦95,000 – ₦135,000) per bag, excluding transport and duty costs. Meanwhile, prices in Nigeria range from ₦90,000 to ₦100,000 per bag,” they explained.

The groups stressed that such pricing patterns clearly demonstrate that the alleged influx of cheaper onions from Niger is economically unrealistic.

Recalling a similar market scenario from March 2025, the statement added that while Nigerian onions sold for ₦40,000 per bag at that time, Nigerien onions were priced at 15,000 CFA (about ₦50,000), further debunking any narrative of cheaper imports flooding Nigerian markets.

Rather than foreign imports, the associations identified internal factors—such as seasonal production cycles, inadequate storage infrastructure, and local supply-demand dynamics—as the real causes of onion price volatility in the country.

The groups expressed concern over what they called “sensational journalism” that threatens to distort public understanding and policy around Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“We urge reputable media houses like The Guardian to verify facts with recognised stakeholders before going to press. Such inaccuracies can damage the integrity of our agricultural value chain,” the statement warned.

In a related note, NOPPMAN and ORO/WCA commended the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), for ongoing interventions aimed at supporting onion farmers, especially those affected by recent floods.

Looking ahead, the organisations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding onion production through modern storage systems, processing facilities, and stronger market linkages to ensure long-term food security and economic development.

They called on policymakers, researchers, and the public to rely on data from credible sources such as NOPPMAN and ORO/WCA when engaging with agricultural trade issues.

“As the backbone of onion production in the region, we remain committed to transparency and collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural prospects,” the statement concluded.

News

Kenya’s Forgotten ‘Weeds’ Now Dominating Vegetable Menu

Indigenous leafy vegetables, which were once overlooked as wild weeds and a “poor man’s food” in Kenya are now becoming much more common – grown on farms, sold in markets, and gracing the menus of restaurants,BBC reports.

At the busy Skinners Restaurant in Gachie just outside the capital, Nairobi, one employee says demand for “kienyeji” – as all local vegetable varieties are known – is higher than for other greens.

“Many people ask for kienyeji when they come here,” Kimani Ng’ang’a tells the BBC, despite the fact the restaurant charges extra for them as he says they are harder to source.

Vegetables like cabbage, spinach, kale, and spring greens, introduced by colonial authorities before the 1960s, are more readily available and cheaper. Spring greens are known as “sukumawiki”, meaning “stretch the week” in Swahili, reflecting how they have become a daily staple.

But diners in Gachie are part of the growing wave of Kenyans who see the benefits of eating local, organically produced nutrient-rich varieties of greens.

“It detoxifies the body and is good for weight loss,” says James Wathiru, who ordered “managu” – or African nightshade.

Another person told me: “It’s all about its taste, which is better.”

According to horticulture professor Mary Abukutsa-Onyango, this trend is reflected in government data and some of the health benefits are backed by research

Over the last 10 years, production of local greens has doubled – with 300,000 tonnes produced by local farmers last year, she says.

It is a remarkable change in attitudes, given people used to look down on traditional crops as inferior – not realising they were often more resistant to diseases and pests, meaning they can be grown organically.

In the 1980s, when Prof Abukutsa-Onyango began her studies, she says she was perplexed to find them referred to as “weeds”.

“We never learnt about African indigenous vegetables. They were calling amaranth ‘pigweed’ [and] spider plant, they were calling it ‘spider weed’,” she tells the BBC.

Her postgraduate research on traditional plants was also tricky as there was no literature about them, but she persevered and now works with the government to promote them for food security.

She says managu and other local vegetables like “mrenda” (jute mallow) and “terere” (amaranth) have more essential minerals than sukumawiki, as well as “higher levels of vitamin A and C [and] antioxidants” that boost immunity and reduce the risk of disease.

Some varieties also contain protein, making them an excellent option for vegetarians. She notes for instance that 100g (3.5 ounces) of mrenda – known for its distinctive slimy texture when cooked – contains more nutrients than a similar portion of common cabbage.

The progress people like Prof Abukutsa-Onyango have made in promoting the diversity and knowledge of indigenous vegetables was acknowledged by Unesco in 2021, when the UN cultural agency commended the East African nation for the “safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage” that had been threatened by “historical factors and the pressures of modern lifestyles”.

It noted that Kenya had begun a project in 2007 involving scientists and local communities to record an inventory of traditional foods, which now includes 850 indigenous plants and their local names.

Some of these vegetables are consumed nationwide, while others are more regionally specific or associated with particular communities.

But sukumawiki, first introduced to Kenya from the Mediterranean as animal feed, is still favoured by many farmers, with more than 700,000 tonnes produced in 2023 – more than double the volume of all indigenous leafy vegetables combined.

Francis Ngiri, who used to farm in Kirinyaga in central Kenya where cabbages are a mainstay crop, explains that this is because, especially during the 1970s, those growing imported leafy vegetables used fertilisers and pesticides that damaged the local biodiversity.

Today, he tells the BBC, only the introduced varieties thrive as the soil has become too acidic to support many native species.

CREDIT – BBC

Tips & Tricks

How To Make Pancakes

Pancakes are a tasty and versatile breakfast food made from a batter of flour, eggs, and milk, cooked on a griddle or frying pan. They can be sweet or savory, topped with fruits, syrups, whipped cream, or even meats and vegetables.

Health Benefits

1. Energy boost: Pancakes provide carbohydrates, which give you energy for daily activities.

2. Nutrient-rich: Depending on ingredients, pancakes can contain essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins.

3. Mood booster: The tryptophan in pancakes helps produce serotonin, regulating mood.

4. Customizable: Pancakes can be made healthier with whole wheat flour, fruits, and nuts.

Easy Pancakes Recipe for Beginners

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
Optional: vanilla extract or other flavorings (e.g., cinnamon)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk and melted butter (or oil). If desired, add a splash of vanilla extract or other flavorings for extra taste.

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or whisk until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy. Let the batter rest for about 10-15 minutes.

While the batter is resting, preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Once the skillet is hot, adding a little more butter or oil to the skillet then scoop 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Use the back of the measuring cup or a spoon to spread the batter slightly into a round shape.

Cook the pancakes until bubbles start to form on the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This indicates it’s time to flip the pancakes.

Carefully flip each pancake with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until both sides are golden brown.

Remove the cooked pancakes from the skillet and keep them warm. You can place them on a plate in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you cook the remaining batter.

Adding a little more butter or oil to the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining batter

Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite drinks.

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