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The fourth session of the 12th ANAPRI Annual Stakeholders Conference examined how the Policy Prioritisation through Value Chain Analysis approach is guiding inclusive, market responsive reforms across Africa. Facilitated by Mmatlou Kalaba of the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, the conversation highlighted evidence from deep value chain studies in Ghana and Zambia and how it is shaping policy choices.
In his remarks, Alan Rennison, Senior Program Officer for Agriculture Development at the Gates Foundation, underscored the role of strong data systems and analytics in guiding government investment. He noted that PPVC has contributed to private sector friendly reforms that improve outcomes for smallholder producers.
Insights from Zambia showed how the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI) is applying the approach. In the beef sector, Fwasa Singogo outlined challenges such as productivity gaps, quality issues, biosecurity risks, and market access constraints. He noted that recommended reforms, including bio secure production zones and improved grading and processing systems, can unlock opportunities in regional and international markets.
Growth in Zambia’s soybean sector was presented by Brian Chisanga, who pointed to persistent productivity and processing constraints despite increasing output. Evidence from the deep dive supports reforms such as input support for farmers, a seed technology levy, reliable energy for processors, removal of Value Added Tax on poultry with anti-dumping measures, and predictable export policies.
In Ghana, analysis from the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research was shared by Andrew Agyei Holmes, who drew attention to low rice yields, high post-harvest losses, and a growing gap between domestic demand and supply. He highlighted policies centred on productivity, irrigation expansion, mechanisation, post-harvest improvements, and stronger market systems as key to achieving self-sufficiency.
A panel discussion featuring Opoku Agyemang from Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Succeed Mubanga and Caroline Simushi Chipango from Zambia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Nana Bonsu of the Private Enterprise Federation, Brian Mulenga of IAPRI and Dr Holmes reflected on how the approach is influencing national decisions. They stressed the importance of government buy in, policy coherence, and strong partnerships, noting that Zambia has already integrated insights into its Livestock Development Plan, while Ghana is rethinking value chain prioritisation.
The session closed with a shared understanding that evidence driven reforms, capacity strengthening, and predictable policy environments remain central to attracting investment, improving competitiveness, and ensuring sustainable agricultural transformation.
Watch the recorded session here.