Africa must prioritise agriculture for sustainable development, says 2022 Africa Food Prize Laureate

THE 2022 Africa Food Prize laureate and Founding Director of the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) at the University of Ghana, Professor Eric Yirenkyi Danquah has emphasised the urgent need for African governments to allocate more resources to agricultural research and development.

His call comes amid growing concerns about food security and the impact of climate change on the continent's agricultural systems.

Professor Danquah who was speaking at the at the 2024 Africa Food Systems (AFS) Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda last Friday (September 6) urged governments to fully implement the Malabo Declaration, which commits African nations to allocate at least 10 per cent of their national budgets to agricultural development and one per cent specifically to research and development. 

He stressed that, without sustained investment in these areas, Africa risks falling behind in the race to develop climate-resilient and nutritious crops that are essential for addressing the continent’s food security challenges.

“Agriculture is the bedrock of Africa’s economic transformation,” Professor Danquah said. “If we are to harness the full potential of our agricultural sector, governments must commit to funding research and development at levels that will enable us to innovate, scale, and sustain progress. The Malabo Declaration is not just a goal—it is a pathway to the future we need,” he said.

Call for capacity building

Professor Danquah also emphasized the importance of capacity building in agricultural science, noting that the continent's ability to develop modern technologies and new crop varieties depends on the expertise of top-notch scientists. 

He called on the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to intensify its support for human capital development in agricultural research.

“AGRA deprioritised funding human capacity development, but the need is greater now than ever. Africa requires a new generation of scientists equipped with cutting-edge skills to lead the development of climate-resilient, nutritious crops. Without significant investments in our scientists, there is no way we can innovate, accelerate, or scale solutions for sustainable development,” he said.

His remarks resonate with the theme of this year’s Africa Food Systems Forum: "Accelerating Food Systems Transformation." The forum focused on the urgent need for innovation and partnerships to address Africa's food security challenges in a world where climate change and other global disruptions threaten progress. Professor Danquah’s call for stronger government commitment and increased investment in agricultural science aligns with this theme, underscoring that without robust research, innovation, and human capital development, Africa's agricultural sector will struggle to meet future demands.

Policy rethinking 

In his address, Professor Danquah implored African governments to rethink their agricultural policies, emphasizing that research must inform these policies if they are to address the complex challenges facing the sector. 

“Governments need to move beyond short-term interventions and prioritize long-term strategies driven by research and innovation. This is the only way we can build a resilient agricultural system that can withstand climate change and other challenges,” he stated.

He concluded by reiterating his optimism that, with the right investments in research, innovation, and capacity building, Africa could not only feed itself but also become a global leader in agricultural development. However, he warned that without these commitments, the continent could miss out on its vast agricultural potential.

 Investment, intra-Africa trade

For his part, the 2024 Africa Food Prize winner, The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) of Zimbabwe, Tinotenda Mhiko, urged African states to invest in new technologies and innovations to beef up productivity and all-year-round farming. 

Mr Mhiko added that achieving improved productivity can only be achieved through innovations and deliberate efforts investment into research focused on addressing the present challenges of the agricultural sector; as well as “implemented impactful models alongside the use of technological innovations which have helped achieve this”. 

The recipient of the GoGettaz Agripreneur award, the CEO of Kodu Technology of Ghana, Iddi Mohammed Faried, underscored the need for Africa governments enhance intra-Africa trade and market access through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He noted that the lack of free movement of goods and services on the continent has limited market for products made in various countries; adding, that there must be a quick ratification of movement protocol to help expand market access, encourage trade for mutual development growth of the African economy and the agriculture sector. 

Mr Faried the high-ranked stakeholders in the various food sectors including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) to expedite checks and approval of products made to be able meet demands and also compete in the international markets.

He urged international organisations and various funding institutions to accelerate publicity to help budding entities in various countries on the continent to apply and access financial inputs to help expand their business in the agriculture value chain.

 Award 

The Africa Food Prize is annual award that recognises outstanding individuals or institutions that are leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa with winners receiving a US$100,000 prize for their effort in Africa’s agriculture agenda. 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) of Zimbabwe, Tinotenda Mhiko was adjudged the Winner of the 2024 Africa Food Prize. Also, the CEO of Kodu Technology of Ghana, Iddi Mohammed Faried was the recipient of the US$50,000 GoGettaz Agripreneur award, an award for young people in agriculture entrepreneurship