AGRA Prez urges bold leadership to revamp Africa’s food systems
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA Ghana, has called on African leaders to undertake bold and immediate reforms to transform the continent’s food systems. Her remarks came during the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) Leadership Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The forum, part of the broader Africa’s Food Systems Forum 2024, gathered about 5,000 delegates to discuss the future of agriculture in Africa under the theme “From Local Fields to Global Impact: Leading Food System Innovation in a Digital and Climate Era.”
Dr. Kalibata highlighted the severe and persistent food insecurity affecting millions across Africa, citing widespread hunger and malnutrition. She stressed that urgent and decisive action is needed to improve food production, distribution, and access. “Given the current economic pressures on the populace, any reforms that could lead to higher energy prices must be thoroughly examined,” she said, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive impact assessment before implementing changes.
The AGRA President explained that agriculture remains a cornerstone of many African economies. By modernizing food systems, African leaders can enhance agricultural productivity, stimulate economic growth, and create job opportunities. The forum aimed to provide delegates with practical insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of food system innovation, especially in the face of digital advancements and climate challenges.
The CALA Leadership Forum is designed to equip participants with actionable strategies and expand their knowledge on leading food system innovations. Delegates from various sectors, including government, civil society, and the private sector, had the chance to engage with top innovators and explore advanced agricultural technologies. The forum emphasized the importance of action learning principles, helping delegates design effective projects to address real-world food system issues.
Dr. Kalibata also encouraged the next generation of leaders to push boundaries and become proactive problem solvers. “Young people need to push themselves harder to do more and be problem solvers,” she said, stressing the importance of using platforms like CALA to foster innovation and address pressing food security challenges.
Jonathan Said, Vice President of the Centre for Technical Expertise at AGRA, echoed Dr. Kalibata’s sentiments. He highlighted the critical need to address the leadership gap in agricultural and food systems transformation across Africa. “Empowering key actors with practical insights and strategies is essential to achieving Africa’s food security agenda,” Said said. He praised AGRA’s mission to transform agriculture from a struggle for survival into a thriving business, focusing on placing smallholder farmers at the heart of Africa’s economic development. The forum underscored the urgency of bold leadership and innovative approaches to ensure a secure and resilient food future for Africa. By fostering collaboration and driving practical solutions, the CALA Leadership Forum aims to address the continent’s food system challenges and pave the way for sustainable agricultural development.
