AGRA

Today, in #BurkinaFaso has been inspiring. #AGRA President AGNES KALIBATA visited #FasoAttieke a thriving agribusiness led by a #WAYA laureate Florence Bassono, sourcing from 500 farmers and employing 73 people; 95% women. She a great example of how SMEs drive food systems transformation. #Unstoppableafrica | #FoodSystems

In 2024, #SierraLeone marked one year, since the launch of #FeedSalone initiative, whose aim is to unlock the countries agricultural potential. This week, AGRA Board Chair His Excellency Hailemariam Desalegn, visited #SierraLeone to witness the agriculture revolution. Sierra Leone has significantly boosted its investment in agriculture, raising the sector’s budget allocation from 2% to 7%, with a goal to reach 10% in 2025, in line with the Malabo Declaration. H.E Desalegn emphasized that agriculture is not merely about production but about creating a robust business ecosystem that empowers farmers, strengthens value chains, and drives national growth. "Transforming food systems requires innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of farmers’ needs. Sierra Leone is setting the pace, and AGRA stands ready to support this journey, ensuring that agriculture is a pillar for sustainable development and economic prosperity," he stated. Under President Bio's leadership, Sierra Leone has been at the forefront of championing food security through the Feed Salone initiative. This initiative aims to enhance food production, improve nutrition, and ensure sustainable agricultural practices across the nation. AGRA is supporting the Govt of Sierra Leone to implement Feed Salone through the Agriculture Transformation Office, via the African Agricultural Transformation Initiative. AGRA is one of the key partners at AATI. The collaboration between Sierra Leone and #AGRA is expected to bring about significant advancements in agricultural practices, benefiting farmers and the nation as a whole. This partnership marks a pivotal step towards achieving sustainable development and economic prosperity in Sierra Leone, with agriculture serving as a cornerstone of this progress. Henry Musa Kpaka Jonathan Said

The 2024 #BeansisHow Annual Report is out! Together, 120+ Coalition Partners are transforming food systems, championing sustainability, and nourishing communities with the power of beans. Let’s keep the momentum going in 2025! Read the report: https://lnkd.in/d4Wg_HFf #BeansisHow #BeansOnTheMenu

We are looking for a consultant to work with our team in East Africa.   Click here to apply | https://shorturl.at/cQJ4e  

The Council of Governors Vice Chair, H.E. Dr. Governor Dr. Mwalimu Mutahi Kahiga (PHD) EGH, and C.O.G Agriculture Committee Chair, H.E. KENNETH LUSAKA, presided over the opening of a sensitization workshop for Agriculture CECMs on Agricultural Policies and Legislation at Lake Naivasha Resort. This cemented a significant collaboration between #AGRA and the Council of Governors, aimed at enhancing food security across Kenya. In his remarks, Dr. Governor Kahiga emphasized the critical importance of policy coherence across all levels of government. He highlighted the necessity of aligning agricultural policies with sustainable environmental considerations to secure long-term food security. The workshop is dedicated to aligning agricultural policies toward food security, addressing the challenges faced by youth in the sector, and positioning Kenya within the global food systems framework. "Unless we put in place mechanisms, tools, guidelines, and steps to be followed, it will be difficult to implement, domesticate, and localize international and national policies at the county level," said Hon. Ken Lusaka. He cited the example of the #CAADP 10% national expenditure on agriculture, questioning its implications at the county level. This collaboration underscores the collective commitment of AGRA and the Council of Governors to creating a cohesive and sustainable agricultural framework that addresses food security challenges and drives positive change in Kenya's agricultural sector. #FoodSecurity #Agriculture #PartnershipsForImpact John Macharia Edward Agaba

Building a world class Seed Systems in Rwanda #Rwanda is on course to achieve its target of being self-sufficient in seed supply. It is also exploring the possibilities of exporting seeds. According to Ndagijimana Jean Paul, the Country Director, Rwanda was importing around 3,000 tonnes of hybrid maize seed, 800 of wheat and 700 tonnes of soybean. #CESSA | #SeedSystems Read More | https://shorturl.at/4dwJq

One year after its launch, the #AGRA supported #schoolfeeding programme funded by The Rockefeller Foundation at GK Prisons Kitengela Primary School in #Kenya has made remarkable strides, positively transforming the lives of learners and their families. The programme, designed to address malnutrition and enhance educational outcomes, has achieved significant milestones in its first year. Central to this #success has been the integration of high-iron beans into the school diet and the establishment of demonstration farms to promote their cultivation. The high-iron bean variety, Nyota, was developed in partnership with AGRA and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO). This nutrient-rich food source has significantly improved the health and performance of learners. Enrollment at the Primary School has surged from 1,500 in 2023 to 1,800 in 2024, reflecting the community's growing confidence in the programme. Deputy HeadTeacher at the School, Mrs Nancy Ledama report that learners are healthier, more energetic, and better able to concentrate in class. Academically, the school has seen a shift in performance, with learners moving from “approaching expectations” to consistently “meeting expectations” within just one year. Yesterday, representatives from the The Rockefeller Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation visited the school to witness these milestones firsthand. During the visit, they toured the high-iron bean demo farms and engaged with learners and teachers, who shared stories of transformation brought about by the programme. As the AGRA supported school feeding initiative continues to scale up, we look up to supporting other five counties in Kenya to foster healthier, better-educated communities while promoting #sustainableagricultural practices. Fahreen Chudasama Betty Kibaara John Macharia Sammy Okita

Marc Bertin Gansonré, a producer, parliamentarian, and member of the Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN). Hon. Gansonré’s passion for agricultural transformation is evident in his praise for #BurkinaFaso’s efforts. “In just two years, Burkina Faso has significantly increased its investment in agriculture, setting an example for the continent,” he states. He believes that scaling such commitments across Africa could drastically reduce hunger and enhance food security. He was among the delegates at the recently concluded #caadpKampala25 summit. He share his reflection in this article as he argues, the importance of allocating #10percentinagriculture. Read here | https://shorturl.at/HFspI

Marc Bertin Gansonré, a producer, parliamentarian, and member of the Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network (AFSPaN). Hon. Gansonré’s passion for agricultural transformation is evident in his praise for #BurkinaFaso’s efforts. “In just two years, Burkina Faso has significantly increased its investment in agriculture, setting an example for the continent,” he states. He believes that scaling such commitments across Africa could drastically reduce hunger and enhance food security. He was among the delegates at the recently concluded #caadpKampala25 summit. He share his reflection in this article as he argues, the importance of allocating #10percentinagriculture. Read here | https://shorturl.at/HFspI

AGRA's Country Director, Rufus IDRIS, met with His Excellency Governor Abdullahi Sule of #NasarawaState to officially announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at agricultural development and food system transformation. This partnership, with an initial $370,000 investment, underscores our commitment to fostering inclusivity, empowering youth and women, and ensuring sustainable farming practices. #AGRA will work closely with NASIDA and other stakeholders to strengthen agricultural policies, attract investments, and develop value chains that benefit farmers and businesses alike. Additionally, our collaboration with Nestlé, worth $400,000, will focus on improving crop quality, supply chains, and sustainability in key value chains—while empowering women and youth in agriculture. Governor Sule’s unwavering support and vision for Nasarawa as a hub of agricultural innovation affirm that this partnership is a step in the right direction. With initiatives like improved seed systems, market access, and capacity building, we are confident this collaboration will create lasting impacts across the state. Ibrahim A. Abdullahi ABDULLAHI SALIHU ARI Lionel Axel KADJA Juliette Lampoh   #AGRAimpact #AgricultureForGrowth