Nairobi – The newly appointed president of the agriculture development organization AGRA, Alice Ruhweza, has reiterated the group’s dedication to supporting small-scale farmers throughout Africa.
Ruhweza committed to emphasizing locally developed agricultural solutions as conventional development assistance undergoes significant changes.
At a prestigious gathering in Nairobi, which brought together government representatives, diplomatic figures, funding providers, and business executives, Ruhweza discussed AGRA’s new strategy in response to declining international aid for development projects.
We convene during a critical juncture in global development, where the supportive framework we’ve relied upon for years is rapidly transforming,” stated Ruhweza. “This alteration in financial resources necessitates increased effectiveness, creativity, and teamwork from organizations like AGRA.
Concentrate on small-scale farmers
She mentioned that the organization will enhance assistance for small-scale farmers, who continue to be the foundation of Africa’s agricultural networks yet face growing vulnerability because of reduced international aid and climate-induced challenges.
At the reception, when responding to .co.ke, Ruhweza stated that the primary objective of the organization is to assist small-scale farmers with the necessary guidelines to boost their productivity.
“Agra was launched two decades ago with the specific aim of enhancing productivity among small-scale farmers. Our objective has consistently been to transform subsistence farming into a flourishing agricultural industry. We remain committed to supporting these smallholder farmers and boosting their output so they can not only meet their basic needs but also generate surplus produce for sale,” Ruhweza stated.
Ruhweza, who assumed the leadership of AGRA earlier this year, stressed that African governments, private investors, and philanthropic organizations must now bridge the increasing funding shortfall as international assistance faces tighter constraints.
Agra’s objectives and prospective vision
In the past two decades, AGRA has assisted over 26 million farmers across 11 African nations, offering them access to enhanced seed types, cost-effective fertilizers, and efficient market systems.
Under Ruhweza’s guidance, the organization is now establishing more ambitious goals, particularly within Kenya.
Over the coming five years, AGRA plans to double Kenya’s maize production to 7.9 million bags, boost rice yields by 574%, and generate 77,000 job opportunities for young people.
Via its National Value Chain Support Program, the organization is presently assisting 1.26 million farmers across 41 counties in obtaining essential agricultural resources.
Ruhweza highlighted the significant potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to open up new avenues for small-scale farmers, calling it a “turning point” for agricultural trade within Africa.
“She pointed out that with a unified market of 1.3 billion individuals and a collective GDP of $3.4 trillion, the AfCFTA has the potential to propel African agriculture to unprecedented levels, provided we correctly establish the basics.”
AGRA’s new emphasis will address systemic disparities in agriculture by providing contemporary farming knowledge to youth and guaranteeing that female farmers receive equitable opportunities for resources and market entry.
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