AGRA President Advocates for Increased Investment in Smallholder Farmers at World Economic Forum

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, AGRA President Alice Ruhweza called for enhanced investments in smallholder farmers, emphasizing their critical role in stabilizing markets and strengthening global food systems. She highlighted that if smallholder farmers were considered a nation, they would represent the largest underperforming economy, yet they also hold significant potential for growth. The African food system is projected to reach a value of $1 trillion by 2030, driven by increasing demand and technological advancements. Ruhweza stressed that improving farmer incomes is essential for creating resilient and sustainable food systems, which can also address broader societal issues such as poverty alleviation and nutrition enhancement. She urged African governments to fulfill their commitment to invest at least 10% of their budgets in agriculture, a sector she described as vital for economic growth and food security. AGRA, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is focused on translating operational evidence into effective strategies for increasing farmer incomes and implementing sustainable agricultural practices across the continent. Additionally, Ruhweza discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture, advocating for Africa to lead in this technological advancement to improve efficiency and equity in food systems, particularly for women farmers. The discussions at the forum also included insights from industry leaders like Elon Musk, who highlighted the economic potential of AI and robotics across various sectors.