I am Dr. Ethelyn Echep Forchibe, an early career scientist, Entomologist, researcher and educator who leverages advanced training from diverse international institutions to drive agricultural innovation across Africa. My work is deeply rooted in integrated crop protection, sustainable pest management, and biodiversity conservation. I am equally passionate about empowering and mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists; thus, I serve as a lecturer at The University of Bertoua (Higher Institute for Agriculture, Wood, Water Resources and the Environment – ISABEE) and the Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda (School of Tropical Agriculture and Natural Resources – STANR).

Beyond the lab, my perspective is shaped by my role as an agribusiness entrepreneur dedicated to processing indigenous foods, to ensure that my scientific findings translate directly into practical, real-world food systems.

The Spark: A Mentorship Built on Indigenous Foods

My journey to the continental stage in Accra truly began a few years ago. In 2023, driven by a desire to bring traditional crops back into the spotlight, I together with Dr. Nkafu Therese organized a DAAD-Alumni seminar titled “African forgotten foods: should we eat local?” I was honored to have Prof. Wole Fatunbi, the Director of Research and Innovation at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), join as our key speaker. Prof. Fatunbi has been an incredible mentor to me since my Master’s degree, providing steadfast guidance that has continuously yielded fruit in my professional life. True to his mentorship, he reached out to follow up on my progress in the underutilized species sector. Impressed by my ongoing findings, he personally extended an invitation for me to present our recent research at a major continental gathering in Ghana.

The Selection: From Invitation to the Big Stage

Thanks to that recommendation and the relevance of our research, I received an official, fully sponsored invitation from FARA and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to attend the Continental Conference on the Integration of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species into the Food System in Africa, held from June 9–11, 2026, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Ghana. I was selected to make a scientific intervention under the young professionals’ poster session, and my poster theme was: Diversity and consumer perception of Neglected and Underutilise Crop Species (NUS) in the North West Region of Cameroon. The challenge was exhilarating: having to condense our intensive field research into a single poster and deliver a high-stakes, rapid-fire 5-minute pitch to a room of leading experts.

The Experience: High-Level Synergy in Accra

Arriving at the Alisa Hotel, the atmosphere was charged with a shared urgency and purpose. The event brought together high-level agri-food leaders, policy makers, and scientists from all corners of the continent, all focused on a critical mission: halting rapid genetic loss and mainstreaming Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) to secure climate resilience and food security. Participating in this hybrid, multilingual forum allowed me to engage deeply with the current continental situation of NUS, regional roadmaps and policy frameworks. Reviewing national value chains, cultivation strategies alongside brilliant minds from both English and French-speaking delegations was an unforgettable masterclass in cross-border scientific collaboration.

The Award and Way Forward: A Validation and a Vision

The absolute pinnacle of the conference came during the awards ceremony. I am incredibly proud to share that I was awarded 1st Place for the Best Poster Pitch Presentation in the Young Researcher Category. Receiving a certificate signed by leaders from both the FAO and FARA including Prof. Fatunbi himself was a deeply validating moment for my research path. While our study highlighted important insights regarding NUS, overall awareness of these crops sits at just 33%, heavily restricted by barriers like lack of availability, preparation knowledge and deeply rooted cultural beliefs. This recognition acts as fuel for the journey ahead to address these perceptual and practical barriers. Moving forward, my goal is to expand our research across wider regions and keep advocating for policy makers to incorporate NUS into national agriculture strategies and nutrition policies to build resilient food systems.

My Deepest Appreciation

An achievement like this is never a solo effort, and my heart is full of gratitude: To FARA and the FAO, thank you for the full sponsorship, your trust, and for creating a platform that amplifies the voices of young African researchers. To Prof. Wole Fatunbi, thank you for your years of invaluable mentorship, for believing in my work since my days as a Master’s student, and for opening the door to this incredible milestone. To my co-authors and research team, a massive thank you to Glenn-Neuville Akwenui (my first undergraduate student), Akwa Nerine Kecha, and Dr. Ignatius Azeteh, as well as our field assistants whose hard work during data collection made this insight possible. Above all, I thank my family. Balancing the demands of professional life while serving as a wife and mother is only possible because of your boundless love and unwavering support. This win belongs to all of us!

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By ⁠Kingsley Adusei Amakye

A three-day conference jointly organized by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has concluded with a renewed commitment to unlock the potential of Africa’s opportunity crops through stronger policies, research, investment and regional collaboration.

A few Opportunity Crops on display at the Regional Consultation Meeting

The initiative also builds on growing continental momentum following the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Declaration, which calls on African Union Member States to promote the production and consumption of nutritious traditional and indigenous crops through supportive policies, regulatory reforms and targeted financing mechanisms.

Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA

Hon. John Setor Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Ghana

Dr. Chikelu Mba, FAO Plant Production and Protection Division

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The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has urged African countries to intensify efforts to diversify its crops and adopt sustainable agricultural production systems in order to meet a projected 50 percent increase in food demand by 2050.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day ‘Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa’ in Accra, Dr Chikelu Mba, Deputy Director of the Plant Production and Protection Division at the FAO, stated that global food production must increase significantly to ensure food security for a growing population.

Dr. Chikelu Mba, FAO Plant Production and Protection Division

According to him, FAO estimates indicate that the world will need to produce 50 percent more food than 2012 levels, equivalent to about 9 billion tonnes, to feed the global population adequately by mid-century.

“Every year, FAO, IFAD, the World Food Programme, and UNICEF come together to take stock of the state of food security and nutrition in the world. Isn’t it sobering that in Africa, food insecurity and malnutrition continue to go up?” Dr Mba assessed.

He stressed that achieving food security and improved nutrition on the continent requires the transformation of Africa’s cropping systems to make them more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.

“At least 80 per cent of all food consumed globally is plant-based, making crop production central to food security,” he said.

Dr Mba explained that the FAO’s strategy is built on three key pillars: seed systems, agronomy, and plant health, supported by innovations, biotechnology, and sustainable agricultural mechanisation.

Focus on Opportunity Crops

The regional consultation, organised by the FAO in partnership with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, private-sector actors, civil society organisations, farmer groups and regional institutions.

The meeting aims to accelerate the integration of neglected and underutilised crop species into Africa’s food systems.

A few Opportunity Crops on display at the Regional Consultation Meeting

These crops, increasingly referred to as “opportunity crops”, include millet varieties, sorghum landraces, fonio, bambara groundnut, indigenous vegetables, and other traditional crops deeply rooted in African food cultures.

Despite their nutritional value and climate resilience, they remain under-researched, underfunded, and poorly represented in formal seed, research, and market systems.

Scientific Investment Required

The Executive Director for the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Dr Aggrey Agumya, advocated for stakeholders to embrace science as a pivotal point in leading the transformation of the sector, thereby moving away from “promise to prosperity through sentiment alone.”

Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA

“Opportunity Crops require robust scientific investments in germplasm conservation, breeding, seed systems, agronomy, mechanisation, value addition, nutrition science, market intelligence, and digital advisory systems. We must generate evidence that demonstrates not only their climate resilience and nutritional superiority but also their economic viability. Science provides the bridge that transforms these crops from being locally admired to becoming globally competitive, from subsistence commodities to profitable enterprises.”

Addressing Key Challenges

Dr. Mba cited findings from FAO’s Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources, which revealed that only 13 underutilised crop species have been prioritised for commercialisation across sub-Saharan Africa.

He identified several barriers hindering the development of these crops, including the absence of national strategies, poor documentation, inadequate investment in human and institutional capacity, limited postgraduate training opportunities, and persistent skills gaps.

“Our native foods matter because of their high nutritional value, climate resilience, and potential to drive economic empowerment,” he said.

He called for stronger policy support, increased investment in research and development, value addition, market development and strategic partnerships to unlock the full potential of opportunity crops across the continent.

Ghana Leveraging Indigenous Crops

Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Setor Dumelo, said Ghana is leveraging indigenous and underutilised crops to transform agri-food systems, improve nutrition and build resilience to climate change.

He noted that although African communities have cultivated nutritious and climate-resilient crops for generations, many of these crops have received limited attention in research, policy, investment and commercial agriculture.

Hon. John Setor Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Ghana

According to Mr Dumelo, “opportunity crops” offer significant benefits, including healthier diets, improved climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, increased farmer incomes and more inclusive rural development.

“For Ghana, this agenda is particularly important. The transformation of our agri-food systems requires that we harness the full potential of our agricultural biodiversity whilst creating opportunities for farmers, processors, traders, and agribusinesses,” he stated.

He highlighted Ghana’s contributions to the continental agenda through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), particularly the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI).

He further disclosed that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in collaboration with the FAO, has implemented the “Support to Women Fonio Value Chain Actors in Ghana” project. This initiative seeks to elevate fonio “from a neglected and underutilised species to a more competitive and commercially viable value chain capable of standing alongside established staples such as rice and maize.”

The consultation is expected to generate recommendations for strengthening policy, research, and investment frameworks to promote opportunity crops as a pathway to food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development across Africa.

Source: CitiNewsRoom.com

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African governments, research institutions and development partners have been urged to accelerate efforts to mainstream opportunity crops into food systems as part of broader strategies to improve food security and strengthen climate resilience.

The call was made at the opening of the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa, jointly organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Accra.

The three-day consultation brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, private-sector actors and farmer organisations to develop a regional roadmap for integrating neglected and underutilised crops into Africa’s agrifood systems.

A few Opportunity Crops on display at the Regional Consultation Meeting

The meeting forms part of broader continental efforts to elevate indigenous and underutilised crops that have received limited attention despite their nutritional value, climate resilience and potential contribution to food security.

These include fonio, bambara groundnut, millet, sorghum landraces, baobab, amaranth and a range of indigenous vegetables adapted to Africa’s diverse agroecological conditions.

Executive Director of FARA, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, said Africa’s rich but neglected crop diversity must be placed at the centre of efforts to build resilient food systems, improve nutrition and create sustainable livelihoods.

He noted that while attention to these crops has grown over the years, the objective of unlocking their contribution to sustainable food systems remains unchanged.

Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director, FARA

Dr. Agumya stressed that science must underpin efforts to transform the crops into commercially viable enterprises through investments in seed development, agronomy, mechanisation, nutrition research and market expansion.

“Science provides the bridge that transforms these crops from being locally admired to becoming globally competitive, from subsistence commodities to profitable enterprises,” he stated.

He further argued that opportunity crops could create new opportunities for Africa’s growing youth population through entrepreneurship in seed systems, precision farming, agro-processing, food innovation and nutraceuticals.

Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Setor Dumelo, said indigenous and traditional crops offer significant potential to address some of Africa’s most pressing development challenges despite receiving limited attention in research, policy and commercial agriculture.

According to him, crops such as fonio, millet, sorghum landraces, bambara groundnut and indigenous vegetables can contribute to healthier diets, biodiversity conservation and inclusive rural development.

Hon. John Setor Dumelo, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Ghana

“Our experience confirms that opportunity crops are not just simple crops, they are crops for the future. They represent an opportunity to build food systems that are more diverse, more resilient, more inclusive and better adaptive to realities of climate change,” he said.

Mr. Dumelo highlighted Ghana’s efforts to advance research on underutilised crops through the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Also, the implementation of the FAO-supported project, Support to Women Fonio Value Chain Actors in Ghana, aimed at transforming fonio into a commercially viable value chain capable of competing with major staple crops such as rice and maize.

The Deputy Minister said governments, research institutions, development partners and the private sector must work together to strengthen policies, investments and markets while ensuring that women and young people benefit from emerging opportunities in the sector.

Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa at FAO, Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, said opportunity crops should be viewed as strategic assets rather than relics of Africa’s agricultural heritage.

He observed that the continent continues to grapple with a triple burden of malnutrition, climate change and biodiversity loss despite progress in agricultural production.

Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa

“These challenges call for a fundamental shift in how we think about agricultural systems, not simply producing food, but producing and consuming foods that are nutritious, resilient, diverse, affordable and culturally appropriate,” he said.

Dr. Haile-Gabriel noted that many indigenous crops are rich in essential nutrients and naturally adapted to drought, heat stress, poor soils and erratic rainfall, making them critical for building resilient food systems.

He said unlocking their full potential would require sustained investment across the value chain, from research and seed systems to processing and market access.

Also speaking at the consultation, FAO Plant Production and Protection Division official Dr. Chikelu Mba warned that Africa’s food systems remain vulnerable despite the continent’s rich agricultural biodiversity.

Dr. Chikelu Mba, FAO Plant Production and Protection Division

He noted that nine crops currently account for about 66 percent of global crop production, despite the existence of approximately 30,000 edible plant species worldwide.

“Our native foods matter because, as has been mentioned, the high nutrient density, climate resilience, possibility for economic empowerment,” he said.

He urged African countries to strengthen policies, investment and partnerships to support the conservation and commercialisation of opportunity crops.

Source: The Business and Financial Times (Ghana)

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The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), today opens the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa, a three-day conference taking place from 9–11 June 2026 in Accra, Ghana.

The consultation brings together policymakers, researchers, development partners, private-sector actors, civil society, farmer organisations and regional institutions to advance the integration of neglected and underutilised crop species into Africa’s food systems. These crops, increasingly referred to as opportunity crops, include millets, sorghum landraces, fonio, bambara groundnut, indigenous vegetables and other traditional crops that are deeply rooted in African food cultures but remain under-researched, under-invested and insufficiently represented in formal food, seed, research and market systems.

The conference comes at a critical moment for Africa’s agrifood systems. The continent continues to face interlinked challenges, including hunger, malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, rapid urbanisation and growing dependence on imported foods. According to the conference concept note, roughly one in five people in Africa faced hunger in 2024, while more than one billion people on the continent could not afford a healthy diet. At the same time, Africa’s rich plant genetic diversity, which underpins food security, nutrition, livelihoods and cultural heritage, is under increasing threat.

Opportunity crops offer practical pathways for addressing these challenges. Many are nutrient-dense, locally adapted, resilient to climate shocks, suitable for smallholder systems and capable of contributing to diversified diets, local economies and climate-resilient agriculture. However, their potential has been constrained by limited research investment, weak seed systems, fragmented value chains, low consumer awareness, inadequate market development and insufficient policy support.

Speaking ahead of the consultation, both organizing agencies underscored that opportunity crops should be repositioned as strategic assets for Africa’s food systems transformation, given their contribution to biodiversity, nutrition, resilience and cultural identity.

The consultation will also contribute to continental policy momentum following the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Declaration, which calls on African Union Member States to increase the production and consumption of nutritious traditional and indigenous crops through appropriate policy, regulatory and financing mechanisms.

Over the three days, participants will review national and regional experiences with opportunity crops, discuss policy and institutional frameworks, examine approaches to conservation and sustainable use, and identify pathways to strengthen production, seed systems, value chains, research, capacity development, awareness-raising and market integration.

The programme will feature technical sessions on overcoming barriers to opportunity crops, strengthening knowledge and capacity, advancing regional action, promoting on-farm diversity and local adaptation, conserving crop genetic resources, improving breeding and pre-breeding systems, developing seed systems, and building the business case for opportunity crops. The consultation will culminate in working-group discussions to develop an action-oriented regional roadmap to integrate opportunity crops into Africa’s agrifood systems.

The consultation will include contributions from regional and continental institutions, including the African Union Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, CORAF, ASARECA, CCARDESA, CGIAR centres, Crop Trust, universities, farmer organisations, private sector actors, and other partners working to advance agricultural biodiversity and resilient food systems across Africa.

The event is expected to foster a shared understanding of the opportunities, gaps and priorities for mainstreaming opportunity crops in Africa, while strengthening partnerships among governments, research institutions, farmers, private-sector actors and civil society. A key outcome will be a regional roadmap and collaborative action plan to guide future investments, policy reforms and coordinated implementation.

The consultation will be held in a hybrid format with interpretation in English and French, enabling wider participation across Africa and beyond.

About FARA

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa is the continental apex organisation responsible for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research for development in Africa. FARA works with African and global partners to strengthen knowledge, innovation, policy engagement and institutional capacities to transform Africa’s agrifood systems.

About FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a specialised agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO works with countries and partners to achieve food security for all and to ensure that people have regular access to sufficient, high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Prof. Wole Fatunbi
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa
ofatunbi@faraafrica.org

Mr. Mphumuzi Sukati
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
mphumuzi.sukati@fao.org

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Two international soil health initiatives, the Africa Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) and the Mediterranean Soil Health initiative (SOILS4MED), have signed a letter of agreement to advance knowledge exchange on soil health indicators and soil information systems in support of food security and sustainable land management.

AUSO is focused on building a comprehensive soil observatory for Africa, and SOILS4MED is working to harmonise soil health monitoring across the Mediterranean region.

Recognising the pressing need for comprehensive soil data and capacity strengthening to support protecting, restoring, and improving soil health, sustainable land management, and climate change adaptation, under the agreement, AUSO and SOILS4MED will exchange information and knowledge on soil health monitoring and indicator development, and collaborate on capacity strengthening activities and stakeholder engagement. The partnership aims to strengthen soil health monitoring and sustainable land management across both regions, with a particular focus on North Africa as a shared geographic interest.

Media contacts

AUSO – Africa Union Soil Observatory: Benjamin Abugri, Knowledge Management, Digitalisation & Learning Cluster Lead, babugri@faraafrica.org

SOILS4MED – Mediterranean Soil Health Initiative: Zucca Claudio, clzucca@uniss.it

About AUSO

The African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) aims to establish a comprehensive soil information system for Africa to support the management of African soils. AUSO is being developed under the leadership of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), with support from the EU Horizon programme and in collaboration with 23 consortium partners.

About SOILS4MED

SOILS4MED aims to engage a broad platform of Mediterranean scientists and stakeholders in co-designing scientifically sound, policy-relevant soil health indicator sets and harmonised monitoring strategies across the Mediterranean, with a particular focus on non-EU countries, as an enabling condition for Sustainable Soil Water Management and for the protection, restoration, and improvement of soil health and land conditions in the region. SOILS4MED is being developed under the leadership of the University of Sassari (UNISS), funded by the European Union, European Commission – EU-EC, and in collaboration with 14 consortium partners.

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Speaking during the High-Level Roundtable on Science, Innovation, and Data for Food Systems Transformation at the 4th Africa Regional Food Systems Transformation Meeting in Accra, Ghana, Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim, Cluster Leader for Institutional Capacity and Future Scenarios (ICF) at FARA, highlighted the ongoing strategic foresight study titled “How Will Africa Feed 2.5 Billion by 2050?” being implemented by FARA in collaboration with the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub under a broader continental effort to strengthen evidence-based decision-making, anticipatory governance, and CAADP implementation across Africa.

Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim, Cluster Leader for Institutional Capacity and Future Scenarios (ICF) at FARA

The study, commissioned by the African Union Food Systems Envoy and supported through the EU-funded “Accelerating Food Systems Transformation through a Scalable Success Model” initiative, examines the structural barriers, leadership choices, and transformation pathways shaping Africa’s agrifood systems toward 2050. It applies horizon scanning, political-economy and institutional diagnostics, systems thinking, stakeholder consultations, and scenario development to assess how different policy and investment choices under CAADP could shape future agrifood outcomes across the continent.

Dr. Ibrahim noted that the study builds on the momentum generated during the December 2025 Nairobi consultation, which brought together AU institutions, Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and partners to co-design a continental foresight system aligned with CAADP. The consultation validated a roadmap for integrating foresight into policymaking, investment planning, and anticipatory governance processes within Agenda 2063 and CAADP implementation frameworks.

He stressed that Africa’s food systems challenges can no longer be addressed through reactive crisis management, fragmented interventions, and short political cycles.

According to Dr. Ibrahim, feeding Africa’s growing population under conditions of climate uncertainty, ecological stress, market volatility, demographic expansion, and geopolitical disruptions will require institutions capable of anticipating disruption, governing complexity, detecting risks early, and supporting coordinated action before crises escalate.

The intervention aligned closely with the broader African Union position articulated by H.E. Moses Vilakati on the importance of institutionalising foresight and anticipatory governance as foundational pillars for food systems transformation, resilience building, and CAADP domestication.

He also highlighted FARA’s broader work with Sub-Regional Research Organisations (SROs) through the Africa Foresight Academy (AFA) to strengthen African capacities in foresight, strategic intelligence, and evidence-based policymaking. Through this growing continental foresight ecosystem, activities have engaged stakeholders across more than 45 countries, supported over 200 institutions, and strengthened the capacities of more than 2,000 professionals in foresight tools and systems approaches.

The organisation further referenced the continental guide on quality foresight for food systems transformation, developed to support rigorous, participatory, policy-relevant, and actionable foresight processes capable of moving institutions beyond one-off studies toward sustained foresight systems embedded within governance and planning processes.

Dr Ibrahim further emphasised that while Africa has generated significant innovation in agriculture and food systems, including climate-smart technologies, resilient seed systems, biotechnology applications, digital advisory platforms, and sustainable land management practices, major constraints remain in scaling innovation due to weak financing systems, fragmented partnerships, weak science-policy interfaces, and limited institutional coordination.

He also highlighted the growing importance of integrated data systems, AI-enabled agricultural analytics, geospatial intelligence, climate-risk modelling, early warning systems, and digital extension services in strengthening evidence-based policymaking and improving resilience to future food systems shocks.

He reiterated FARA’s consistent call for stronger coordination among governments, research institutions, regional bodies, private-sector actors, development partners, and non-state actors to build integrated transformation ecosystems capable of delivering sustainable and scalable transformation of agrifood systems across Africa.

He concluded by emphasising FARA’s position that the future of African food systems will depend not only on technological advancement but also on the ability to combine innovation with inclusion, local intelligence, indigenous knowledge systems, and institutional resilience.

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The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) hosted a partnership brokerage discussion with the team from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Accra Office, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, to explore strategic collaboration for advancing agricultural transformation in Africa.

FARA’s Executive Director, Dr. Aggrey Agumya (right) and Ag. Director of Research and Innovation, Prof. Wole Fatunbi (left)

Welcoming the delegation, FARA’s Executive Director, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, reflected on the longstanding cooperation between the Government of Italy and FARA, particularly through the landmark Sub-Saharan Africa Challenge Programme (SSA CP), which contributed significantly to agricultural innovation across the continent.

AICS Program Manager, Filippo Acasto (right)

The AICS team, led by Program Manager Filippo Acasto, presented two important initiatives: SuSTLives (Sustaining and Improving Local Crop Patrimony in Burkina Faso and Niger for Better Lives and Ecosystems) and AgrEcoNUS+ (Agroecological Transition and Community Resilience through Neglected and Underutilized Species in Africa).

Both initiatives seek to strengthen agrobiodiversity and resilient food systems through neglected and underutilized species (NUS), while advancing food sovereignty, ecosystem sustainability, and equitable market opportunities in the Sahel and beyond. The projects are implemented through a broad consortium of European and African partners with support from the European Union, AICS, and SWISSAID.

While FARA is not part of the implementation consortium, its role as a trusted convener and weaver of partnerships that make science work for agricultural development in Africa remains critical. FARA stands ready to support these important initiatives as discussions progress.

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The 10th General Meeting of the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) is taking place from 9–12 March 2026 in Antananarivo, Madagascar, bringing together governments, research institutions, development partners, and private-sector actors committed to transforming Africa’s rice sector. At the opening of the meeting, Prof. Wole Fatunbi, Acting Director of Research and Innovation at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), chaired the 21^st CARD Steering Committee session, reaffirming the continent’s ambition to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2030, when the CARD program winds up. The CARD was launched at the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TCAD IV) in Yokohama, Japan, in 2008. It aims to double rice production from 14 million tons to 28 million in the first 10 years, and its Phase II aims to raise it to 56 million metric tons by 2030 to meet the projected need. All in the drive for rice sufficiency in Africa. While rice production in Africa has risen significantly, there is still a significant gap to fill to achieve self-sufficiency.

Rice has emerged as one of the most important staple foods in Africa and is now central to the continent’s food security agenda. In West Africa alone, more than 240 million people depend on rice as a major dietary energy source, reflecting its growing role in urban and rural diets[1]. The rapid population growth, urbanization, and shifting dietary preferences have accelerated rice consumption across the continent, making it one of the fastest-growing food commodities in Africa (FAO, 2023)[2]. In West Africa alone, more than 240 million people rely on rice as a primary source of dietary energy, reflecting the crop’s central role in regional food systems; with higher consumption areas in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Gambia, per capita annual consumption which is at “Asian levels” of about 90–120 kg or higher

Despite its strategic importance, Africa remains heavily dependent on imported rice. Estimates suggest that about 40% of the rice consumed in Africa is imported this may even be higher (≥ 60%) depending on the region, reflecting a significant gap between domestic production and demand. Sub-Saharan Africa has consequently become the world’s largest rice-importing region, importing over 22 million tons of rice annually (USDA, 2025). This dependency places substantial pressure on national foreign exchange reserves and exposes African food systems to volatility in global commodity markets.

The economic implications are considerable. Africa is estimated to spend between US$6 billion and US$9 billion annually on rice imports, depending on global price fluctuations and consumption levels[3] . These imports represent resources that could otherwise be invested in strengthening domestic agricultural production systems. The challenge facing Africa’s rice sector is not primarily technological but structural, socioeconomic, and infrastructural. Over the past decades, national agricultural research systems and international centers have developed improved rice varieties, including high-yielding and climate-resilient cultivars.  However, the adoption of these technologies remains constrained by systemic factors, including weak rural infrastructure, fragmented markets, policy inconsistencies, and limited investment in agricultural value chains.

The Nigeria rice story provides a compelling example of both the potential and the fragility of the rice-sector transformation in Africa. Historical records indicate that Nigeria was largely self-sufficient in rice production in the early 1960s, producing approximately 360,000 tons annually, which was sufficient to meet domestic demand at the time[4] .  However, as population growth accelerated and policy attention shifted toward the petroleum sector, domestic rice production failed to keep pace with rising demand. By the early 2000s, Nigeria had become one of the largest rice importers in Africa. In response, the Nigerian government introduced several policy initiatives to revitalize domestic rice production. Programs such as the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) and the Anchor Borrowers’ Program (ABP) expanded farmers’ access to credit, fertilizers, and improved seeds. Evaluations of these programs suggest that they significantly increased rice production and stimulated investment in rice value chains, including the establishment of modern milling infrastructure across the country[5] .

These interventions contributed to a substantial expansion of domestic rice milling capacity, with more than 150 rice mills established across Nigeria during the period of rapid sector growth. However, recent developments suggest that sustaining these gains remains challenging. Rising fertilizer prices, climate variability, insecurity in farming regions, and disruptions in paddy supply have reduced the operational capacity of several rice mills in the country. Consequently, many mills reportedly operate below their installed capacity, illustrating the importance of consistent policy support and sustained investment in agricultural production systems.

Nigeria’s experience reflects a broader continental pattern. Africa possesses vast agroecological potential for rice production, including an estimated 190 million hectares of inland valley ecosystems suitable for rice cultivation, yet only a fraction of this potential is currently utilized[6] . Meanwhile, average rice yields across Africa remain relatively low, typically between 2 and 2.5 tons per hectare (t/ha), significantly below the global average (3.4 to 4.6 t/ha) and far below yields achieved in Asia (3.37 to 5.0 t/ha)[7].

The discussions at the CARD meeting in Madagascar highlight the importance of coordinated continental action to address this challenge. Africa already possesses the scientific knowledge, natural resources, and human capital required to transform its rice sector. What is required now is the alignment of science, policy, and investment. Strategic investments in agricultural research, efficient seed systems, irrigation infrastructure, and functional markets will be essential to unlocking Africa’s rice production potential.

Regional integration frameworks, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), also offer new opportunities to strengthen intra-African agricultural trade. Countries with comparative advantages in rice production can supply neighboring markets, thereby enhancing regional food security while stimulating economic growth.

If these efforts are sustained, Africa can significantly reduce its dependence on imported rice and move toward greater food sovereignty. The deliberations at the CARD meeting therefore serve as an important reminder that Africa’s future rice security will depend not only on technological innovation but also on coherent policies, resilient markets, and sustained political commitment.

Note: Wole Fatunbi is the Ag. Director of Research and Innovation at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). Opinions in this article are solely those of Wole Fatunbi and do not represent the position of FARA and its partners.

[1] AfricaRice. 2019. Rice Sector Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Achievements and Opportunities. Africa Rice Center, Abidjan.

[2] FAO. 2023. Rice Market Monitor. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

[3] CARD. 2019. Coalition for African Rice Development: Phase II Strategy for Rice Self-Sufficiency in Africa.

[4] FAO. 2001. Increasing Rice Production in Nigeria: Lessons from the Past. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

[5] Iliyasu, I., Lawal, S., & Mohammed, A. 2020. Evaluation of Nigeria’s Growth Enhancement Support Scheme and Anchor Borrowers’ Programme on rice production. Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension, 24(3), 45–60.

[6] AfricaRice. 2022. Smart Valleys and Rice Sector Development in Africa. Africa Rice Center.

[7] FAO. 2023. Rice Market Monitor. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

The post Can Africa Truly Produce Enough Rice to Feed Itself? Insights from the 10th CARD General Meeting in Madagascar appeared first on FARA Africa.

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is participating in the FAO-led Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (ACSAM) at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, from 3 to 6 February 2026. The conference reawakened a deep reflection on the pathway to Africa’s mechanization through supportive policies and the building of local capacity.

Over the past two decades, agricultural mechanization in Africa has undergone a wavy, uneven transformation. From a landscape dominated by hand tools and animal traction, many African countries have gradually expanded the use of motorized equipment across land preparation, planting, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. The use of more advanced tools in robotics, drones, and remote sensing is gradually increasing.

This growth reflects rising labor constraints, urbanization, and the urgent need to increase productivity and resilience in food systems. Yet, mechanization in Africa today is no longer just about horsepower; it is about sustainability, inclusivity, and alignment with evolving production paradigms.

Evidence-based thinking on agricultural mechanization has been part of the FARAs’ work in the last two decades. Through coordinated research, policy engagement, and continental convening, FARA has helped reposition mechanization as a system-wide innovation challenge rather than a narrow technology transfer exercise. This vision was particularly advanced through the Program of Accompanying Research for Agricultural Innovation (PARI), a 10-year research endeavor in partnership with ZEF, the University of Bonn, and partners across 15 National Agricultural Research Institutes in Africa, which generated rigorous insights into mechanization pathways across diverse African farming systems. PARI’s work demonstrated that mechanization outcomes depend as much on institutions, service models, and user behavior as on machines themselves.

Today, Africa stands at a critical inflection point. The continent cannot afford to devolve the science of its mechanization to other developmental climes with fundamentally different agro-ecological, socio-economic, and cultural realities. While Africa does not need to reinvent the wheel, it must selectively learn from global experiences and deliberately innovate in directions aligned with its natural resource domains, farm sizes, labor dynamics, and cultural practices. Sustainable mechanization in Africa will therefore be endogenous in its scientific foundations and contextual in its applications.

Equally important is compatibility with changing production thinking. African agriculture is increasingly gravitating toward nature-based approaches such as agroecology, regenerative agriculture, climate-smart practices, and soil health restoration. Mechanization must evolve accordingly, supporting precision input use, minimum soil disturbance, residue management, and diversified cropping systems rather than reinforcing extractive or degrading practices. This shift calls for rethinking machine design, power sources, and operational scales.

FARA recently advocated for the inclusion of mechanization of the smallholder system in Africa as a pillar in the China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA) a joint research partnership between China and Africa.

The future of African mechanization also lies in advanced science and digital innovation. Remote sensing, artificial intelligence, robotics, unmanned aerial and ground devices, and smart processing technologies that offered unprecedented opportunities to overcome labor bottlenecks, improve decision-making, and reduce drudgery, especially for women and youth. Integrating these technologies into African contexts will require strong research capacity, adaptive testing, and supportive innovation ecosystems.

The long-standing debates must also be resolved with evidence rather than ideology. Concerns about heavy equipment and soil compaction on African soils remain valid in some contexts, but blanket rejection is unhelpful. Similarly, two-wheel tractors may be better suited for certain farming systems and service models, yet questions remain about their ability to support the scale of production Africa will need to meet food, feed, and industrial demand. These are scientific questions that demand African-led research and long-term experimentation.

Ultimately, sustainable agricultural mechanization is a strategic investment in Africa’s future. It requires deliberate financing of science, engineering, and innovation capacities on the continent. FARA, working with its partners, is well-positioned to lead the science and innovation component of this agenda, helping Africa mechanize not by imitation but by informed design, learning, and purposeful invention.

Note: Wole Fatunbi is the Ag. Director of Research and Innovation at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). Opinions in this article are solely those of Wole Fatunbi and do not represent the position of FARA and its partners.

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