African smallholder farmers are urging for greater access to technology to promote regenerative agriculture and build resilience in the face of climate change. At the second Roundtable of African Farmers, held in Rome on October 8, 2024, and co-organized by several international organizations including the Pontifical Academy for Life and Bayer, farmers from Sub-Saharan Africa gathered to discuss how policies and technologies could enhance agricultural productivity while preserving the environment.
The roundtable featured farmers from Ivory Coast, Lesotho, Mali, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia. They emphasized the need for policies that foster an outcome-driven, technology-neutral, and evidence-based approach to agriculture, ensuring solutions are tailored to smallholder needs. According to these farmers, enhancing farmer training and support for regenerative agricultural practices could drive productivity and sustainability in the region.
Farmers highlighted various practices that contribute to regenerative agriculture, such as crop rotation, reducing soil disturbances, and adopting modern tools like greenhouse technology. "Crop rotation, particularly alternating between nitrogen-fixing crops and cereals, is a way to maintain soil fertility and ensure sustainable yields," stated Zambian farmer Elisha Lewanika. He stressed that reducing tillage helps preserve soil structure and protect valuable microorganisms.
Lesotho farmer Matente Kethisa shared similar views, saying, "In my community of Nikito, soil is the foundation of agricultural efforts. We focus on preserving and enhancing its quality through crop rotation, mulching, no-till farming, and nutrient management."
Nigerian farmer Stella Thomas underscored the importance of genetically modified crops (GMO) in addressing specific challenges. She noted, "GMO crops are the way forward for us in Nigeria, especially to address drought and pest infestations. With GMO crops, farmers can use fewer herbicides and insecticides, enhancing both productivity and sustainability."
Malian farmer Amadou Sidibe spoke on the advantages of greenhouse technology. "While heavy rainfall and flooding were impacting many parts of West Africa, our greenhouses remained unaffected. During dry periods, my greenhouses use 90 percent of available water in a very efficient manner," he explained, highlighting their role in combating unpredictable climate patterns.
Despite these proven benefits, farmers expressed frustration at the barriers they face in accessing the necessary tools for regenerative agriculture. Limited investments in public and private research and development, high upfront costs for modern technologies, and inadequate infrastructure are just a few challenges holding smallholder farmers back. Access to insurance, credit, and financial support remains limited as well, preventing many from adopting these vital technologies.
In response, farmers are calling on governments to revise policies, making it easier for smallholders to access low-interest loans, grants, and insurance products to encourage investment in sustainable practices. They also stressed the importance of expanding education and training programs through demonstration farms, digital platforms, and extension services. Increased public and private sector collaboration with research institutions is vital to developing solutions that meet the region's unique needs.
Agriculture is a critical sector in Africa, supporting more than 50 percent of the population and contributing 35 percent of the continent's GDP, with figures as high as 60 percent in some countries. However, Africa continues to grapple with food insecurity, exacerbated by low agricultural productivity and small farm sizes averaging just 1.3 hectares. This is despite the continent holding 65 percent of the world's remaining arable land, of which only 10 percent is currently utilized.
For companies like Bayer, regenerative agriculture offers a pathway to address these challenges. It is seen as an outcome-based production model, aiming to improve soil health, mitigate climate change, restore biodiversity, conserve water, and strengthen farmers' economic and social well-being. By scaling these practices, African smallholders can increase their yields and enhance food security across the continent.
