AGRA, UPL partner to increase Africa smallholder farmers’ access to yield-enhancing technologies
Thousands of smallholder farmers are set to benefit from increased access to technologies that support yield increase. This follows the signing of an agreement between the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and UPL.
The new deal will see the two institutions work jointly to strengthen the farming ecosystem including last-mile service delivery. This will be achieved by supporting farmers’ access to extension support through the Village Based Advisor (VBA) models and demo plots.
Under the new agreement, the partners will further facilitate technology adaptation and introduction to financial solutions among smallholder farmers. Some of the countries to be covered in this partnership include Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Ivory Coast.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President AGRA said that her institution will leverage its ongoing work on policy support and building state capability; building systems for inputs delivery; and strengthening partnerships to achieve the institutions’ shared vision.
“This partnership supports our strategy to increase investment into agriculture by enhancing the development of alliances of key private sector players working along the value chain in fertilizer, ICT, Mechanization and markets. The partnership will increase farmers’ access to yield enhancing technologies to farmers and increase investments in seed production, distribution and training of farmers on good agronomic practices,” added Dr. Kalibata.
On his part, Mercel Dreyer The CEO for Africa Middle East Australia and New Zealand (AMEANZ) said his company will utilize its network of country outlets to distribute hybrids, crop protection solutions and other technologies to be tried and tested by smallholder farmers in order to increase productivity and incomes.
“We are excited to partner with AGRA in helping farmers across Africa access and benefit from yield enhancing technologies including but not limited to hybrid seeds, Fall Armyworm control, good agriculture practices, and post-harvest management to improve productivity, livelihoods, food security, incomes and well-being.” Nishant Pahuja the Managing Director UPL Kenya further said.