Sustainable Agriculture: Making Africa the World's Future Breadbasket

Africa, rich in agricultural and natural potential, is seen as the future breadbasket of the world. However, making the continent's agriculture sustainable and compatible with biodiversity conservation remains a major challenge, experts and officials gathered in Nairobi on the eve of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) first Africa Conservation Forum said.

During a panel discussion on "Sustainable Agriculture: African Solutions for Nature and People," experts identified several obstacles to reconciling agriculture and environmental protection. These include economic barriers and a lack of support for smallholder farmers, who are often skeptical about the returns from restoration and conservation projects.

The panelists emphasized the importance of ensuring economic benefits for smallholders to motivate them to engage in nature conservation projects. They called for their integration into agricultural and development policies, with the guarantee of suitable markets offering fair prices.

Agrecology has been identified as the best solution for conserving biodiversity, maintaining soil health, and restoring land. However, a lack of long-term financing, the absence of value chain components for restoration systems, social conflicts, and social and cultural barriers, such as the exclusion of women from reforestation projects in some communities, remain challenges.

Limited access to technology is another obstacle. Due to a lack of knowledge and awareness, African farmers are unable to master certain technological practices and prefer their traditional methods.

Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, reiterated that the organization, which brings together more than 1,400 member associations and 16,000 experts, aims to collaborate with governments and civil society in Africa to support young people and transform the continent's future. "Working together, despite our differences, harnessing the power of agriculture to combat climate change and adopting nature-based solutions are essential to restoring land and achieving food security," she said.

Ms. Aguilar cited an IUCN-supported project in Rwanda, where massive reforestation of 2,000 hectares reduced the impact of flooding and landslides.

The official opening of the African Conservation Forum took place on June 26, 2024. This event marks a significant milestone for conservation in Africa, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions for a prosperous future.

Djamiou ABOUDOU