Agriculture plays a strategic role in economic development and employs as many as 70 percent of Africans. Yet in many countries, the benefits are still elusive. Smallholder farmers in particular face constraints, including poor infrastructures, lack of access to finances and markets, and few opportunities to improve their skills base.
Drawing out the economic potential of the sector is the mandate for the United Nations’ International Fund for Agricultural Development. Under the leadership of outgoing President Kanayo Nwanze, the agency has focused particularly on reaching the most vulnerable groups in rural areas: smallholder farmers, and particularly women. Doing so is key to reaching Agenda 2030, Nwanza told Devex in an exit interview.
“Rural transformation, not just rural development, remains a high development concern and is key to achieving the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. As his eight-year tenure draws to a close, Nwanze remains a strong advocate for the rights of rural populations.
About the author
Christin Roby@robyreports
Christin Roby worked as the West Africa Correspondent for Devex, covering global development trends, health, technology, and policy. Before relocating to West Africa, Christin spent several years working in local newsrooms and earned her master of science in videography and global affairs reporting from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Her informed insight into the region stems from her diverse coverage of more than a dozen African nations.
