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.