Attaining food security and export growth in agriculture

Such financing is especially important to women farmers, who produce 60-80 per cent of Africa’s food, yet receive less than 10 per cent of rural credit.

To unleash Africa’s agricultural potential, women farmers need full and equal access to finance – as well as to land, technologies, extension services and markets.

Such access will enable farmers to produce an abundance of food. But raising productivity is not enough. Farmers must also be able to get that food to markets.

To link farmers to markets, investments are needed: in adequate storage to reduce post-harvest losses; market information systems; food processing and other forms of value addition; in strengthening farmers’ associations and ability to negotiate; and in developing the underlying infrastructure.

The region must also develop a unified grading system for agricultural products that meets rigorous standards for trade.

Given the scale of investments needed, AGRA is focusing its efforts on directing resources and building partnerships in areas that have the best chances of success – the breadbasket regions of Africa.

Agoa can open up important market opportunities for agricultural produce from Africa. The challenge will be to produce enough, and to meet the standards required to qualify for market access.

If agricultural productivity remains low, food insecurity and hunger will remain the norm, and export opportunities will be lost.

The United States and Africa should invest in stimulating agricultural growth for millions of Africa’s small-holders, enabling them to feed themselves and earn higher incomes from expanded markets.

Only then will the benefits of Agoa reach those who matter most – small-holder farmers, especially women.

Dr Ngongi is president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).