Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, has been making significant strides in the field of agriculture in Africa. One of his most notable initiatives is the “Feed Africa” strategy, which aims to end hunger and malnutrition on the continent by 2025.
The “Feed Africa” strategy, launched in 2017, focuses on improving agricultural productivity, promoting agribusiness and food industry, and increasing access to affordable and nutritious food. The initiative aims to create 18 million jobs and increase agricultural productivity by 50% in the next 10 years.
Under Adesina’s leadership, the African Development Bank has invested heavily in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, warehouses, and rural feeder roads. The bank has also provided financing for smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of the agricultural workforce in Africa.
In addition, Adesina has been a strong advocate for the use of technology in agriculture. He has promoted the use of mobile phones and digital platforms to provide farmers with access to information, such as weather forecasts and market prices. He has also been a vocal proponent of genetically modified crops, arguing that they can help increase yields and reduce the use of chemical pesticides.
Adesina’s work in agriculture has earned him numerous accolades, including the World Food Prize in 2017. He has been recognized for his leadership and vision in transforming agriculture in Africa and for his commitment to ending hunger and poverty on the continent.
References:
- “Akinwumi Adesina.” African Development Bank Group. November 20, 2020. https://www.afdb.org/en/about-us/leadership/akinwumi-adesina.
- “Feed Africa.” African Development Bank Group. November 20, 2020. https://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives/feed-africa.
- “Akinwumi Adesina: The man with a plan to feed Africa.” BBC News. November 20, 2020. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37549242.
- “Akinwumi Adesina: The man on a mission to revolutionize African agriculture.” The Guardian. November 20, 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/jun/15/akinwumi-adesina-man-mission-revolutionise-african-agriculture.