AFRICA TOO SLOW TO TRANSFORM

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has expressed concern over the sluggish pace at which Africa is adopting agricultural transformation and modern technology.

It has revealed that out of the continent’s 55 countries, only 12 have established comprehensive policy frameworks supported by laws, regulations, institutions, and mechanisms for public engagement. This revelation highlights a significant gap that remains to be addressed across the continent.

The concerns were raised recently during the FANRPAN Annual Regional Multi-Stakeholder Policy Dialogue in Lilongwe, held under the theme “Policy Pathways Towards Transforming Africa’s Agriculture and Food Systems” at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC).

Speaking during the meeting, AATF’s Senior Manager and Policy and Regulations Affairs Coordinator, Dr. Francis Nang’ayo, highlighted several challenges hindering the adoption of technology across the continent.

He pointed out the lack of political support as a primary obstacle, with limited capacity and awareness among stakeholders, including farmers and policymakers, further compounding the problem.

“Many stakeholders are not fully informed about the benefits and safety of these technologies, which is a significant barrier to their adoption,” Dr. Nang’ayo said.

He emphasized the importance of high-level policy dialogue events to engage policymakers, including ministers and permanent secretaries.

“These events are crucial for making informed decisions that drive agricultural transformation from traditional to innovative practices,” he added.

Nang’ayo also addressed concerns regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), noting that they are among the most regulated products in agriculture.

His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of agricultural transformation in Africa. He underscored the need for adopting modern technologies, building capacity, raising awareness, and engaging in high-level policy dialogues as critical steps towards enhancing productivity and food security on the continent.

In a separate interview, Chief Research Officer at the National Commission for Science and Technology, Lyson Kampira, highlighted the potential of biotechnology (Bt) in managing pests, a major challenge affecting maize production in Malawi.

“Am advocating  for the integration of these technologies into Malawi’s agricultural systems, because it has a potential to enhance food security, nutrition, and economic growth.”

The AATF, a Nairobi-based project, opened its doors in 2003 to help African farmers adapt agricultural technology for use across the continent. As Africa faces mounting challenges in food security and agricultural productivity, the need for a more robust and coordinated effort to adopt and implement modern technologies has never been more pressing.