An optimistic outlook for Africa's smallholder farmers : vim

An optimistic outlook for Africa’s smallholder farmers
Strengthening sustainability
Recognising that African economies are experiencing unparalleled levels of economic growth, with agricultural growth averaging about 7% per year since 2005, the authors of
Food For All in Africa have produced a ‘book for optimists’. They emphasise that, in the past, maize harvests for smallholder farmers were as low as 750 kg/ha, whereas yields of up to 6 t are now common. This has been achieved, in part, through drought-tolerant maize seed combined with improved fertilisers.
The challenge, however, is to capitalise on these achievements and bring them to scale.
Food For All in Africa discusses how the concepts and practices of sustainable intensification can lead to better livelihoods for farmers, healthier diets, and viable economic opportunities for the rural poor. A ‘virtuous circle’ is envisaged where greater yields result in farmers becoming more prosperous, which benefits the rural economy and leads to other boons, such as improved investment and better access to markets.

Related Keywords

O Badianek Glatzel , Gordon Conway , Cornell University , Food For All , For All , Professor Sir Gordon Conway , Sustainable Intensification , University Press , கோர்டந் கான்வே , கார்னெல் பல்கலைக்கழகம் , உணவு க்கு அனைத்தும் , க்கு அனைத்தும் , ப்ரொஃபெஸர் ஐயா கோர்டந் கான்வே , நிலையான தீவிரம் , பல்கலைக்கழகம் ப்ரெஸ் ,