AGRA report highlights country-led efforts to build stronger food systems

AFRICA – AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa)’s newly released 2024 Annual Report shines a light on how African countries are leading efforts to improve their agriculture sectors through locally driven strategies.

The report, titled “Country-led, People-powered,” outlines AGRA’s work in 12 focus countries, showing progress in food production, policy reforms, and support for women and youth.

“2024 was about identifying the most critical binding constraints and opportunities in each country and investing in a coordinated manner to address them,” wrote H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and AGRA Board Chair.

“This approach marks our move beyond fragmented activities toward integrated, results-focused pathways co-developed with governments and aligned with national priorities.”

AGRA focused on climate-smart farming and seed system improvements. In Kenya, the STRAK project helped over 118,000 farmers adopt soil-friendly practices such as mulching and composting, with strong results in yields and resilience.

In Nigeria, more than 250,000 farmers used AGRA-supported inputs to boost harvests. Some, like Charity Ezekiel and Phoebe Maitala in Kaduna, moved into food processing and mentorship.

“In 2024, we completed six national seed investment plans and scaled the SeedSAT tool to identify systemic gaps,” said AGRA President Alice Ruhweza. “Seed is foundational, no seed, no prosperity.”

Policy and legal reforms took shape in countries like Mozambique and Zambia, while Uganda improved maize export systems, leading to a 211 percent increase in formal exports. Meanwhile, Tanzania secured $129 million in youth-focused agriculture finance.

AGRA’s VALUE4HER and YEFFA programs continued to support over half a million women and young people in agribusiness.

The report also noted AGRA’s role in continental goals, including the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit.

In 2024, AGRA invested US$164 million in programs and secured Green Climate Fund approval for its RE-GAIN program, set to benefit 2.6 million people across seven countries from 2025.

“We’ll continue investing in country-owned solutions that integrate climate resilience, market systems, and nutrition,” said Ruhweza.

“By working side by side with farmers, governments, and businesses, we are turning farming from a struggle for survival into a thriving enterprise.”