The withdrawal of agricultural support programmes threatens to reverse years of progress in food security and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa, where about 60 percent of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, Dr. Amos Azinu, President-National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NaSTAG), has warned.
The United States government has announced significant cuts or freezes to its international aid programsme, sending shockwaves through the developing world which has long relied on this support for food security initiatives.
The agricultural expert has described this shift in the global aid landscape as both an immediate challenge to food security and an opportunity for transformation in the country’s food and agriculture sector.
With many developing countries already grappling with the compound effects of climate change, regional conflicts and economic instability, the reduction in aid, he said, would further affect agricultural development programmes that provide seeds, fertiliser and technical assistance to small-scale farmers as well as emergency food reserves that help buffer against sudden price spikes or supply disruptions in the immediate future.
However, this also opens the door for agriculture transformation through investment in local agricultural innovation rather than relying on imported solutions. Thus, countries can focus on developing climate-resilient crop varieties suited to local conditions, promoting indigenous farming techniques that require fewer external inputs – thus supporting local seed business entities and breeding programmes.
Reimagining food security
While the aid freeze poses an immediate threat to food security, Dr. Azinu sees it as an opportunity for transformative change in the region’s agricultural sector. He stressed the urgent need for sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen regional cooperation and build resilient, self-sustaining food systems
“This crisis underscores the importance of collaboration and efficient value chains. By working together, we can create long-lasting solutions that reduce our dependence on external aid and ensure food security for future generations,” he said.
Dr. Azinu iterated the need for SSA to establish regional food reserves and sharing mechanisms to create cross-border agricultural trade corridors, share agricultural research and development resources and develop joint early warning systems for food security threats.
While the continent depends largely on imported fertiliser for cultivation, he highlighted the need to embrace agroecological approaches that reduce dependency on fertilisers.
Furthermore, leveraging technology for efficient digital solutions can help optimise limited resources, he said. Examples include mobile apps for weather forecasting and market information, blockchain systems for supply chain transparency and precision farming techniques to maximise yields with minimal inputs.
Additionally, digital payment systems can enhance market access for small-scale farmers.
Despite its challenges, the situation presents opportunities for local development. The reduction of external support could drive greater investment in local solutions and indigenous knowledge systems. Countries that successfully navigate this transition may emerge stronger and more resilient in the long run.
Source : B&FT
