At the International Conference on Contract Farming in Nairobi, experts, farmers, and stakeholders gathered to explore contract farming as a solution to the challenges African farmers face, particularly those caused by climate change, market uncertainty, and limited access to inputs. Conference Director Peris Wanjiku emphasized that contract farming helps farmers plan better by guaranteeing markets, pricing, and technical support—benefits echoed by participants like Wilson Ole-Rampei, who noted its potential to improve yields and income through structured agreements and irrigation in arid areas.
Lan Li of the UN FAO highlighted how contract farming enhances income stability, access to inputs, and production planning for smallholder farmers, while Kenya Private Sector Alliance CEO Carole Kariuki stressed the importance of public-private collaboration to support agricultural transformation. Though challenges like monocropping risks and high transaction costs exist, experts agreed that the model offers a promising path to strengthen Africa’s food systems, improve farmer livelihoods, and build climate resilience.
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