Here are ways to make agriculture Africa's best economic alternative
QUESTION: What is the missing link between available agriculture opportunities and development in Africa and Tanzania in particular?
ANSWER: The main issue is that so far agriculture has been viewed as a sector rather that a foundation for overall economic transformation. Initial investments in agriculture such as infrastructure services help to lay the basis transitioning from labour-intensive activities to agro-industries. In this regard, agricultural innovation (not just farming) is a critical starting point for industrial development. This, however, does not mean that industrial development cannot occur without starting with agriculture. But strategically, it makes sense to start with the sector that employs most people and the diversify to other industries.
Q: I understand that you are the author of The New Harvest: Agricultural Innovation in Africa, how would you describe the current state of agricultural innovation in Africa.
A: The state of agricultural innovation in Africa is in its nascent stage. The good news is rise of interest among African presidents in transformation agriculture. Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete has emerged as an internationally-recognized champion of agricultural innovation. Because of his leadership leading international investors have committed nearly US$3.5 billion for investment in African agriculture. This ‘Grow Africa’ initiative was inspired through the World Economic Forum and enjoys the support of the African Union. This is the kind of leadership and support that Africa has previously lacked.
Q: What are the available opportunities for agricultural innovation in Africa and in a country like Tanzania in particular?
A: The mainly opportunity for agricultural innovation is the fact that nearly 60 percent of the arable land available in the world is in Africa. This gives Africa the opportunity to leverage international investment as well as technological innovation in the agricultural sector. The challenge for Tanzania and Africa is defining agriculture not just as farming, but as a dynamic, entrepreneurial and knowledge-intensive activity.
Q: What are the key challenges for agricultural innovation in Africa and in a country like Tanzania in particular?
A: The main challenge is the low level of investment in critical rural infrastructure such as energy, transportation, irrigation and telecoms. Investments in these sectors will make it easier to improve technological innovation in the sector. Low-cost roads—which can be built with the help of the military—could significantly improve agricultural productivity by making it easier to transport input and produce and as a result create agricultural markets.
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