Transforming Global Food Systems: Feeding Millions and Changing Lives

Enhancing Access and Transforming Seed Systems in Ghana

The Seeds and Inputs Fair has become a linchpin in revolutionizing agriculture in the farming landscapes of Northern Ghana. By facilitating farmers’ access to quality inputs and certified seeds, the fair impacts profoundly the Ghanaian seed sector and the broader agricultural transformation, thereby transforming lives and communities.

Despite the pivotal role of quality seed and agro-inputs, many smallholder farmers in Ghana encounter challenges in accessing certified seeds and reliable agro-inputs, often resorting to suboptimal practices that undermine productivity and food security.

In response to these challenges, the National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG) signed an agreement with AGRA to implement part of the activities under Phase II of the Partnership for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Africa (PIATA) program. Titled “Strengthening the Ghana Seed System to Enhance Quality Seed Delivery to Farmers,” the 26-month program focuses on four main crops: maize (hybrid), soybean, groundnut, and cowpea. This initiative, launched by AGRA, aims to provide an inclusive approach to unlocking markets for participating smallholder farmers.

Read More: Here ?

Dr Kalibata awarded Liebig-Award for World Nutrition 2024

The Foundation fiat panis, as successor to the Father and Son Eiselen Foundation, awarded in 2024 the Justus von Liebig-Award for World Nutrition to Dr. Agnes Kalibata for her outstanding achievements in the fight against hunger and rural poverty. The prize was endowed with 25,000 EUR and was awarded on October 16, 2024 during the World Food Day Event at the University of Hohenheim.

The independent board of trustees of the Justus von Liebig-Award for World Nutrition unanimously decided to award the prize 2024 to Dr. Agnes Kalibata from Rwanda. It is convinced that Dr. Agnes Kalibata dedicated her life's work to a world free from hunger. Since 2014 she is the President of AGRA and, together with public and private partners, leads the organization's efforts to create a food-secure and prosperous Africa through rapid, inclusive and sustainable food systems change, thereby contributing to improvement of the lives of millions of smallholder farmers.

Read More

World Food Forum closes; And Africa's Young Leaders are Driving the Change in the Sector

The fourth annual?World Food Forum (WFF) 2024?concluded on Friday, in Rome, marking the end of an impactful week at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dedicated to transforming global agrifood systems.??

The event brought together thousands of participants from around the world who engaged in dynamic discussions and collaborative action across a range of critical issues, including investment, science and innovation, youth engagement, family farming, indigenous food systems, and water management.? Participants, mainly youth showcased their innovative ideas and enterprises and how they are addressing the food security in their country.

?This year AGRA, through Generation Africa participated in the forum, themed "Good food for all, for today and tomorrow”. Generation Africa in partnership with FAO Ghana hosted a side event, tittled Feeding a Fertile Future – a discussion with young African farmers at the World Food Forum. It was a great opportunity to from young leaders driving change in the agriculture sector across Africa.

?Read More

AGRA and PULA Advisors Collaboration to Promote Innovative Agricultural Insurance Systems

Agriculture is the backbone of Mali’s economy, contributing over 36% of the GDP and employing 80% of the workforce. However, farmers face numerous challenges, including limited access to financing, low levels of mechanization, and the increasing impact of climate change. The collaboration between AGRA and PULA Advisors directly addresses these challenges by promoting innovative agricultural insurance systems, designed to help farmers better manage risk and improve their productivity.

Pula Advisors, with a grant from AGRA, is leading the implementation of an insurance system that uses satellite data, historical information, and on-the-ground inputs to support small-scale irrigation farmers. The project aims to enable farmers to access credit, adopt innovative farming practices, and strengthen climate resilience, particularly through the use of water pumps. This initiative also seeks to reduce the need for emergency funding from donors and governments, creating a more sustainable framework for agricultural development in Mali.

https://agra.org/news/the-agra-pula-collaboration-in-mali-innovative-solutions-for-a-resilient-farming-community-in-mali/

Food Systems Transformation Through Dialogues

In 2020, the UNFSS Secretariat led by Agnes Kalibata approached the 4SD Foundation (4SD) to provide support for national governments as they undertake food systems dialogues. This was because 4SD had been working with partners since 2018 to develop a method to engage multiple food systems stakeholders through dialogues. The UNFSS wanted to support governments and in-country stakeholders using food systems dialogues to explore options for systems transformation.

The UNFSS dialogues were then framed to enable inclusive engagement of stakeholders, with meaningful connections, open exchange, exploration of options, debate around priorities and examination of trade-offs. The intention was that everyone, everywhere, would have a chance to weigh in on how they would want their food systems to be taken forward. The dialogue method involved national leaders and governments while also reaching groups of producers, women, youth and indigenous people. The invitation to dialogue was designed specifically to interest groups of food systems stakeholders who do not usually interact with each other.

Read More | https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-024-01060-4

Poultry Futures Forum to Transform the Region’s Poultry Sector

The Government of Tanzania, the Food Action Alliance, and AGRA, in collaboration with partners across Africa’s poultry sector, are convened the Poultry Futures Forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This two-day forum aimed to unlock the poultry industry's potential as a critical driver of food security, economic development, and employment in the region.

The Forum spotlights the pivotal roles of?youth and women in the poultry sector, recognizing their unique contributions and challenges. Young farmers will present innovative solutions to food systems?experts through workshops, mentorship, and panel discussions, gaining valuable insights and connections for a sustainable future. Women will be acknowledged as catalysts for change, particularly in addressing issues such as funds, training, and market access.

Read More | https://agra.org/news/poultry-futures-forum-to-transform-the-regions-poultry-sector/

?

?