AGRA marks 20 years with focus on farmer income and resilient food systems

The event focused on scaling practical solutions that improve farmer income, strengthen resilient food systems, deepen investable markets, and advance inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa.

Held as part of AGRA’s Board Retreat in Ethiopia, the AGRA@20 event brought together board members, government representatives, development partners, private sector actors, and research institutions for a forward-looking dialogue on Africa’s agricultural future, with Ethiopia as a key point of focus.

AGRA said the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on what two decades have taught, listen to country realities and stakeholder voices, and share a more disciplined agenda for the decade ahead.

“This is a moment to reflect on our founding vision, and to ask ourselves, with honesty, where Africa’s smallholder farmers stand today, and what that means for Africa’s economies, especially amid heightened global disruptions” said Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA.

“The next phase must be about scaling what works for farmers through stronger systems, deeper partnerships, and practical solutions that build resilience, expand opportunity, and support inclusive growth,” he added.

The Addis convening highlighted agriculture as a pillar of Africa’s economic and climate future. Discussions focused on the need for stronger policy leadership, market systems, finance, and innovation that place smallholder farmers at the center of transformation.

AGRA@20 opening marked the start of a week of engagements in Ethiopia.

In Hawassa, AGRA’s Board of Directors is expected to hold formal board sessions, review Ethiopia’s country programme in depth, and undertake a field visit to better connect institutional strategy to farmer realities, local systems, and delivery lessons.

“Ethiopia is a clear example of how this translation works in practice. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, contributing over 30 per cent of GDP, employing most of the population, and driving export earnings,” said AGRA Board Chair Hailemariam Dessalegn.

He noted that extension systems have reached more than 645,000 farmers; digital e-vouchers have provided inputs to over 900,000; more than 159,000 metric tonnes of grain have been commercialized through market linkages; and over 240,000 farmers have adopted improved seeds, boosting productivity and value.”