Africa’s agrifood challenge is often framed as a production problem: raise yields, expand cultivated area and produce more food. Is this always the case?
CROWDING IN OR CROWDING OUT? RETHINKING FERTILISER SUBSIDIES FOR AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
For millions of African farmers, the value of a fertiliser subsidy is ultimately determined by practical questions: does the fertiliser arrive on time, does it reach the farmer who needs it, does it improve productivity, and does the system make it easier or harder for farmers to eventually access inputs through functioning markets?
LEVERAGING AFRICA’S TRADE CORRIDORS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, FOOD SECURITY AND JOBS
Africa farmers, traders and consumers care less about continental ambitions, and instead, care more about whether the road is passable, the rules enable the food to move, the standards are clear, and a buyer is waiting at the other end of the border.
ANAPRI’S BOARD LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
The Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes has entered a new phase of institutional leadership following the successful transition to a reconstituted Board. Formalised during a Board retreat in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the transition reflects a deliberate effort to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and position the network for sustained impact. With a diverse mix of regional, technical, and institutional expertise, the new Board is set to guide ANAPRI in advancing credible, evidence-based agricultural and food systems policy across Africa.
PARTNERSHIPS AND COALITIONS ON FOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION
Africa’s agricultural transformation will be driven not by isolated efforts, but by co-created, well-aligned alliances that turn evidence into impact and ambition into action. This is a key highlight of the 8th session of the ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference. The session brought together stakeholders to reflect on how collaboration, rather than competition, can accelerate progress. Discussions highlighted complementary strengths across policy analysis, soil health, data systems, farmer-focused initiatives, and investment mobilisation.
APPLYING SYSTEMS THINKING AND FORESIGHT FOR AFRICA’S AGRIFOOD TRANSFORMATION
Discussions on applying systems thinking and strategic foresight at the ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference highlighted how Africa can design more coherent, future-ready agrifood policies in an increasingly complex environment. The session emphasised that while many solutions already exist, fragmentation and siloed decision making continue to limit impact. Speakers and panellists stressed the value of foresight, analytics, and practical policy tools in helping countries anticipate long-term challenges, manage trade-offs, optimise scarce public resources, and align investments with CAADP priorities.
DOMESTICATION AND STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AFRICAN FERTILISER AND SOIL HEALTH ACTION PLAN
Progress in domesticating the African Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan was the focus of the sixth session of the recent ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference, showcasing how countries, coalitions, and regional bodies are advancing its implementation. Participants highlighted the urgency of expanding agronomic guidance, mobilising sustainable financing, and aligning national strategies with Africa’s long-term soil health vision. With growing political commitment and practical actions underway, the session reinforced the shift from intention to implementation, focusing on delivering measurable improvements for farmers and food systems.
FROM ANALYTICS TO ACTION: USING PPVC EVIDENCE IN GHANA AND ZAMBIA TO PRIORITISE, FINANCE, AND DELIVER INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL REFORMS
Session 4 of the 12th ANAPRI Annual Stakeholders Conference focused on how the Policy Prioritisation through Value Chain Analysis approach is shaping more inclusive and market responsive reforms across Africa.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 12TH ANAPRI CONFERENCE
The opening ceremony of the 12th ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference delivered a powerful call to advance Africa’s food systems through evidence, investment, and collaboration. Moderated by Eugene Anagwe, the session combined vibrant cultural performances by the Inganzo Ngari traditional dancers with strategic insights from government, partners, and ANAPRI leadership. The event was graced by Rwanda’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, alongside other distinguished guests.
POLICY COHERENCE AND CAADP 3.0: TRANSLATING CONTINENTAL COMMITMENTS INTO NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
Session 2 of the ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference unpacked how CAADP 3.0 can shift from continental aspiration to genuine national transformation. Key insights included:
• The move to CAADP 3.0 marks a renewed focus on policy coherence, multisectoral coordination, and results-driven implementation.
• Continental commitments need to be grounded in national realities through early domestication of the Kampala Declaration.
• Effective policymaking depends on strong evidence systems, reliable data, and trusted relationships between researchers and policymakers.
• Governance gaps, institutional fragmentation, and inconsistent funding continue to impede progress.
• Country experiences from the DRC, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Kenya highlighted both notable gains and critical structural challenges.
• Smarter public spending, blended financing, and investment in research and extension remain vital for driving transformation.
• The Biennial Review can play a stronger role in informing policy adjustments and tracking progress.
Overall, the session underscored that CAADP 3.0 provides flexible guidelines rather than rigid templates. Turning these commitments into action calls for strengthened governance, coherent investments, and close collaboration among governments, researchers, development partners, and the private sector.
- Page 1 of 2
- 1
- 2