In the face of worsening climate change, indigenous crops like sorghum, millet, amaranthus, and hemp offer critical solutions for sustainable agriculture in Africa, according to Professor David Katerere of Tshwane University of Technology. These crops improve soil health, absorb significant carbon, require less water, and are highly adaptable to harsh
A new global scientific report warns that the current food system is a major driver of land degradation, contributing significantly to climate instability, biodiversity loss, and inequality, while still failing to feed the global population effectively. The system, which produces nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes vast
In Mbooni sub-county, Kenya, Martin Muoki, a horticulture graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, is transforming farming through innovative soil testing and integrated agriculture. After quitting formal employment, Muoki initially faced repeated failures in his farming ventures. Instead of giving up, he turned to scientific methods, partnering
Malawi has launched a 10-year Malawi Action Plan on Fertiliser and Soil Health (2024–2034), a $163 million initiative aimed at improving soil productivity, fertiliser efficiency, and addressing widespread land degradation. Unveiled in Lilongwe by Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale, the plan takes a comprehensive approach by focusing on soil, water,
In sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers account for 80% of the farming population, with women making up more than half of this group. These women not only grow crops on small plots of land—typically under two hectares—but also engage in agro-processing and marketing. Despite their essential role in agriculture, they often
Farming in Kwale County’s arid areas is being transformed through solar-powered drip irrigation, allowing smallholder farmers to grow crops year-round, regardless of erratic rainfall. The system uses water from boreholes, springs, dams, and water pans, and is improving food security, incomes, and resilience for local communities. Supported by the Kwale
The African Food Fellowship is nurturing leaders working to transform Africa’s food systems through sustainable, climate-smart farming. Among its 2025 graduates is Julia Nyawira of Seed Savers Network Kenya, recognised for developing a digital platform to improve farmers’ access to indigenous seeds, such as cassava and sweet potatoes, which are
In sub-Saharan Africa, 33 million women work as smallholder farmers, often cultivating plots under two hectares with limited access to land, finance, and markets. Despite their deep traditional knowledge of farming and local ecosystems, they earn little due to barriers in accessing supply chains and value-added processing. Agroecology—an environmentally friendly
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
East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) plans to expand its sorghum contract farming program beyond the current 40,000 smallholder farmers as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on raw material imports and lower production costs. Group CEO Jane Karuku highlighted this initiative during an investor briefing, where she also reported
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja emphasized the vital role of contract farming in driving Africa’s economic and social progress, calling it a transformative tool for the agricultural sector. In remarks delivered on his behalf at ICCF 2024 in Nairobi, Dr. Karanja highlighted how contract farming provides
Farmers in Baringo’s Perkerra Irrigation Scheme are experiencing a major transformation through contract farming, shifting from subsistence to commercial agriculture with a focus on seed maize production. This change was made possible by the National Irrigation Authority’s (NIA) rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, which restored reliable water access, enabling farmers to