For many African countries, the agriculture sector generates more jobs than any other and contributes a significant portion of their national GDP. An estimated seventy percent of the African population relies on agriculture and farming for all or part of their income. At the same time, over 750 million smallholders are engaged in raising cash crops, food staples, livestock, forestry, and fish on family farms that cover just a few acres.
Since the majority of Africa’s poor depend on agriculture for income and food, fostering agriculture-led growth is one of the most effective ways to help large numbers of people lift themselves out of poverty. Moreover, developing sustainable agriculture and food systems fortifies supply chains and ensures the availability of nutritious foods, thereby bolstering food security for nations.
ORI works with producers—including smallholder farmers—businesses, global foundations, and governments to make Africa’s agriculture, food systems, and farmers thrive even in the context of the ever-present climate threats. We support increased financing for the sector, promote the use of business and technology solutions, and help remove policy constraints that hinder the sector’s performance. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity and production and to uncover opportunities to improve food security and diversify incomes.
