By Victor Emeruwa
African business leaders in a collaborative demand to mitigate the impact of climate change on smallholder farmers in the continent are calling for more actions in the area of legal and policy framework to enhance productivity and growth in the agriculture sector. This, the leaders believe will be crucial for climate change adaptation for smallholder farmers.
The concerns and recommendations are contained in the 2022 Africa Agriculture Outlook, an annual survey conducted to gain insight into the core priorities and top investments required to advance the agricultural sector in the continent. The 2022 survey was conducted and issued by KPMG and Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, (AGRA).
The study recommends targeted and improved access to flexible financing for the agriculture sector in the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) category. It also made demand for increased productivity for small farms. Business leaders in the continent are now calling for a legal, policy and legislative framework to boost and transform the sector, according to a statement released by Hudson Sandler.
Also making a case for investment in innovative solutions and resilience, AGRA President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, said: “Agribusiness holds the key to Africa’s economic recovery in a challenging world. The resilience and determination of the continent’s agribusinesses to keep moving forward are inspiring. At AGRA, we are committed to supporting the development of policies and innovative financial solutions to help address challenges that SMEs and businesses, in general, continue to face.”
A critical intervention recommended is the need for an inclusive supply chain involving smallholder farmers, as well as increase in the participation of public – private sector in adaptation of smart agriculture.
Benson Ndung’u, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Partner, KPMG East Africa noted: “Any response to any challenge that the agricultural sector faces, requires a systemic multi-sectoral approach. Collaborations and partnerships will help drive agricultural transformation since they lead to knowledge sharing which is key for Africa’s agribusinesses in supporting the building of healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable food systems.”
The survey outcome reflects the operating environment in 13 African countries and an indicator to the situation in the continent.
