All Africa needs is universal education so that farmers are able to
also self educate and free up their talent and ample farm credit
government backed in order to end usuary. Then just get out of the
way and let them go at it.
This may sound optimistic but I believe it is realistic. Individual
enterprise has only begun to get on its feet and it has much to do.
The real good news is that the process is well underway. We are no
longer wondering what it will take.
Africa the Next
Home of an Agricultural Revolution
Sooner than later,
Africa will matter more to us than we matter to them
By Dr. Sylvain
Charlebois | July 31, 2014
Africa is rising, but
its ascent is fraught with social and political challenges. Of
the 10 fastest growing current economies in the world, seven of them
reside in Africa, a continent that most Westerners think
of as homogeneous as well as a hotbed of civil unrest and famine.
But contrary to
popular belief, it is much more diverse. Africa has 47 countries,
2,000 languages or dialects, and 35 currencies. Most significantly,
by 2050 one-fifth of the world population, or 2 billion people, will
be African. These factors do make for a fragmented economy, but the
sheer size of its market can potentially make it the next home of an
agricultural revolution.
Africa’s food
security issues are demanding. Historically, among other issues it
has been subject to dumping practices by more affluent markets, which
make the case for growing more agricultural commodities weaker.
However, Africa has come to recognize the power of agriculture, and
of how, through it, it can leverage an economy. More countries, NGOs
and corporations are expressing an interest in Africa, and showing up
in droves to invest. Unlike other emerging markets, this continent is
very economically accessible, which makes it less likely to adopt
protectionist measures. This position bodes well for its future.
Unfortunately, farming
in Africa is still primarily focused on subsistence. The vast
majority of its farmers are poor, and don’t see their work as an
opportunity or a source of potential income. As a result, many young
people leave rural regions seeking a better life in urban centers.
Some even leave the country, and never return. This is why most
conversations on agriculture in Africa need to concern themselves
with the economic role of youth.
In particular, African
farmers need access to up-to-date technology. With access to current,
more effective tools, farmers can capitalize on the knowledge the
West has developed for decades, particularly in the areas
of crop and soil sciences, and retain the energy and innovation of
young farmers and scientists.
Along with NGO’s and
corporations, banks, and financial institutions are also knocking on
Africa’s door. Since they seek to play a role in its development,
the use of different risk assessment tools is necessary. Africa’s
wealth is not found in machinery, acreages, or quotas, but rather in
it its people and its myriad cultures. It is understood that it is
Africa that will feed itself and financial institutions, and the
world, have taken notice.
Corruption is also a
cruel reality in Africa, as it is in many places around the world.
But unlike the Western world, where it is well concealed, corruption
in Africa’s developing socio-economic is explicit. The role of
governments in addressing this problem is limited. Those who face
exploitation, in particular stakeholders, can follow the cues of
their government and corruption will eventually recede. Policies are
actively being adopted, but many governments are proceeding with
extreme caution. A green revolution in agriculture needs to be paced
appropriately in order to allow it to take root, and grow.
The harsh reality is
that companies wanting to invest in Africa need to keep an open mind,
particularly when it comes to cultural differences. Specifically,
Westerners should accept that productivity in Africa is defined
differently. For example, marriages, funerals, and other social
gatherings can last days, which would make most Western-based
believers of capitalism cringe.
Women’s rights are
also of prime importance; a prosperous continent will go a long way
to empowering women. Including and engaging women in the African
economy can profoundly change how nations see themselves, and
quickly.
In conclusion, when
considering the implications of global food security, many have come
to realize that, sooner than later, Africa will matter more to us
than we matter to them. With 2 billion people, the potential
economics are persuasive. Africa has something special to offer to
the world, but we should ensure it recognizes that we, in turn, can
offer something meaningful to it.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois
is associate dean at the College of Business and Economics at the
University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. This article previously
published at troymedia.com.
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