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IJRAR19K8183 International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR) www.ijrar.org 435

Farming For Business: A New Venture For Africa?

Songamla A. Sharon

Ph.D Scholar, Department of African Studies

Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi.

Delhi-110007

Abstract

Farming in southern Africa represents much more than a mere means of subsistence, in fact, it lies at the heart of

development, providing opportunities for rural communities to enhance their living standard through the intensification

of farm production. A well-knit market system enhance marketable surplus and helps increase demand on continuous

basis and thereby improves farm income. Agriculture, being the sector with greatest job opportune, should be treated

as a priority in development-related policy making. Disaster-risk reduction at farm level is a crucial way to proactively

reduce treat from extreme exposure and other natural events. Policies and strategies to improve agriculture perfor-

mance in rural regions of Africa and financial institutions still remains a challenge and need to be expedited. Reducing

transaction costs is a prerequisite for smallholder to improve their profit margin and also to improve efficiencies along

the entire value- chain. Improvement on transports and roads is necessary for farmers to access market more reliable,

convenient and easily accessible. The complexities of African agriculture requires combine and co-ordinated, multi

sectoral approach which will make all the difference. Given, that, billions of livelihood on the planet rely on agriculture,

adoption of disaster-reducing technologies for agriculture at farm level will clearly be a worthwhile goal.

Keywords: Modern Inputs, Climate Change, Risk-Management, Value Chain, Subsistence Farmers

Introduction

The rural economy of sub-Saharan Africa remains strongly based in subsistence farming relative to other sectors. Alt-

hough, households have varying degrees of diversification apart from farm activities, nevertheless, farming remains

dominant source of income for large fraction of rural smallholders and for stabilizing incomes. As such, agro-industry

is prerequisite for generating decent employment opportunities particularly for the ever increasing rural youths. The

shift from primary production to modern-oriented production will provide lucrative opportunities to many smallholders

as well as generates modern jobs. It is observed that the continent have been experiencing significant economic growth

over the years. In fact, FAOStat reported that “the overall increases in agricultural production have kept pace with

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population growth” (FAOStat, 2010). The key factors responsible to this growth performance includes, stronger insti-

tutions use of new technologies, innovations, information and communication technologies, increased urbanization,

rising incomes associated with higher demand for goods and services.

However, there are enough straws in the wind to reveal that these successes may not necessarily determine future

sustainability. The continent with its renewed interests in agriculture, with its increasing youth population, environ-

mental degradation, and climate change presents new episodes that needs to address in priority in the coming years.

With the continent experiencing growing urbanization, the opportunities of job creation in urban and rural areas and in

non-farm sectors has becoming slow and poverty levels remains relatively high in rural areas resulted to sub-optimal

performance in agriculture sector. The continent is undergoing changes and the food systems that produced and deliver

to the consumers are unable to keep pace with the level of population. Study elsewhere shows that the pattern of eco-

nomic growth has been hampered by continent’s frequent imports of food. Not surprisingly, the continent is evident of

high dependency on food imports, as such, the annual growth in food production is slower than the increase in con-

sumption making import rises sharply.

When thinking about agro-industry, the performance of agriculture sector becomes a vital element as growth in one

sector feeds off the other. Past decades reveals that agribusiness and agro-industry sectors has been the driver of eco-

nomic growth in some developing countries. Africa Renewal reported that, “in Africa, agribusiness and agro industries

account for more than 30% of national incomes as well as the bulk of export revenues and employment” (Africa re-

newal, special edition 2014). Given the predominance of smallholder family farming in southern African agriculture,

high demand for agricultural commodities in rural and in urban opens opportunities for agro-industry along the entire

value chains. Stronger connections among different value chains helps expand business opportunities that leads to

remarkable benefits for smallholders.

Yet, efforts to harness the power of agriculture as an engine for sustainability are being repeatedly and increasingly

challenged by extreme disasters which significantly, hampering farmers from realizing their full potential. The number

of disasters come from natural hazards has increased steadily over the years along with the number of people affected

and the scale of economic loss generated from it. In addition, a knowledge-based model of farming which can be

obtained via technical education and vocational training programs relevant to farming are unfortunately limited and

accessible in many ways in the region. It may be pointed out that emphasizing in agriculture research, extension services

and use of modern inputs as well as interaction with farmers and community organization along the value chain will

shift the pattern of rural livelihood towards more sustainable and self-sufficient economy. Such behavior would lift

several rural dwellers out of poverty.

In sub-Saharan Africa, despite relatively strong and sustained economic growth, the increase in per capita income has

not led to significant reductions in poverty. In many cases this may be attributed to gender inequality in terms of work

distribution and access to modern-based techniques of production, as well as services and trainings, where women are

less likely to enjoy lesser participation in all these trends. “Empowering women to enhance their bargaining power and




participation in decision making processes and economic opportunities is a matter of priority” (Ross et al, 2015).

Clearly, in order for local communities to gain benefits of inclusive growth and rural development, efforts on ensuring

women’s involvement in the decision-making process needs to be strengthen which eventually, would enhance their

power and able to access more productive resources, greater share in employment opportunities (off-farm activities)

and entrepreneurship. This will better position them to participate in business activities—agribusiness, corporate sector

either as employees or entrepreneurs.

Besides, Africa has an opportunity to deliver economically competitive energy solutions to meet growing energy de-

mand not only in the continent but also to the rest of the world. By, making available power supply to the local com-

munities not only improve the quality of rural lives, but more importantly, helps in scaling up agribusiness. SSA’s

smallholders are positioned to be significant beneficiaries in agriculture markets. Africa’s relatively abundant unculti-

vated arable land presents significant scope for expansion. Having rich in labour intensive agriculture, considering the

growing young population profile. To become more inclusive and brings remarkable results from farming sector, their

is no doubt to suggest that, youths plays a paramount role.

Farming though, not appealing to the eye of youths, it is a new venture that would give joy and satisfaction to their

lives. With the comparative advantage that the youths have, as far as the age, strength and the opportunities are con-

cerned, food insecurity can be brought down to minimum, if youth could start taking positive attitude by getting involve

in farming.

Scaling Up Of Agribusiness Through Technology Application

Technology application is prerequisite in agriculture in order to improve farm output, and for better utilization of re-

sources. Smallholders could benefit from crop diversification by adopting new farming technologies which helps to

save time and invest in more productive activities. The approaches of technology development can improve the poten-

tials and values of small-scale farmers, ultimately enhancing their ability to develop better ideas and knowledge in

farming business. Technology is valuable to smallholders in agricultural food value chains because of its diverse variety

of possibilities. “Productivity is vital and for sub-Saharan African countries, that rely heavily on agriculture, knowledge

of new techniques that can increase productivity growth is critical” (Fulginiti, et al.,2004). The fact that agricultural

markets is still remote in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa, the improved technology, would ultimately, expand

market size and so, use of basic technology are pre-requisite for farming business. Similarly, technical innovations such

as, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), are increasingly necessary for smallholder farmers because

it lowers the cost of transaction for agricultural commodities, and increase efficiencies. From the recent data available,

it estimates that, only one-third of farmer access training on agricultural technologies. “In developing countries, im-

proving the livelihoods of rural farm households via agricultural productivity would remain a mere wish if agricultural

technology adoption rate is low” (Ajaje, et al.,2003).




The fact that, agricultural technology is a key driver for increasing farm production in developing countries, accessing

agricultural technology is still inadequate. UN-Millennium Project (2005), demonstrates that technology has become

urgent than ever since SSA has been very backward in reducing poverty and fighting hunger in particular and in meeting

the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in general. In achieving such goals of halving the people living in extreme

poverty, adoption of improved technology in agriculture would be a key driver, since success in agriculture provided a

basis for economic diversification. Moreover, in southern Africa, gender roles seems to be an important element in

determining the level of technology use. For example, Doss argued that “technology generation has tended to favor

crops traditionally grown by men, who frequently have greater access to labour, markets, credit and other inputs than

women to a degree that may impact negatively on the intra-household distribution of income and consumption” (Doss,

2001). It appears that, farmer’s adoption and market participation are influenced by gender. Besides, Perkin and

Rehman concluded that “people do not just adopt a technology because it is available to them, even when it is available

and appropriate, personal and socio-cultural factors bear on decisions to adopt or not to” (Perkin and Rehman, 1994).

“Millions of poor people in particularly in Asia, the technological advances of the Green Revolution (complemented

by the massive increase in irrigation) provided route out of poverty through directly increasing producer incomes and

wages, lowering the price of food, and generating new livelihood opportunities” (Timmer, 1988). In addition, Foster

and Rosenzweig, argues that “for developing countries, the best way to catch with the developed countries is through

agricultural technology diffusion and adoption” (Foster and Rosenzweig, 2010). Thus, the level of productivity de-

pends on the level of technology use, it is unlikely that poverty would alleviate, without sufficient technology adoption.

New technologies were also developed primarily for resistance of pests and diseases. For example, “new disease-re-

sistance bean varieties have been extensively adopted by most small-scale farmers in western Kenya” (David et

al.,2002). For reducing disaster-risk management, one can adopt drought resistant varieties in drought prone area to

reduce the risk of crop failure. Plantation of mangroves along the coastal areas and shorelines prevent storm and hurri-

cane winds and floods and thus, maintain soil nutrition and moisture retention and prevent soil from erosion. In addition,

water harvesting and adoption of irrigation facilities would ensure multiple cropping for certain crops, thereby smooth-

ening the flow of production process and mitigating against the impact of climate change. In this context, rural farmers

who used modern inputs such as, improved seeds varieties and tools have higher yields and more efficient in their

farming business than others who don’t. Study from United Nations, FAO (2002) in Niger shows that on average the

use of modern inputs has a positive and statistically impact on crop productivity.

A study on maize carried out by Wambugu et al., (2018) using panel household survey data from 300 households in

ten villages in Kenya. According to the study, the rising maize yield during the period is attributed to a combination of

good weather, using improved variety of seeds, fertilizer application, and use of modern farming techniques as well as

physical and market infrastructural developments. The study shows an impressive growth in maize yields. However,

the drop during the period was also accounted in that area due to diversifying towards other crops. For example, in one

place, there is a crop diversification over growing of horticultural crops which fetch better prices than maize. Other




place, farmers are diversifying into growing of sugarcane. While hybrid maize varieties and use of other productivity-

enhancing inputs contributes to improved yieldings, and realized their full productivity potential. In both regions, it

was observed that there is a significant improvement and differences in growth rate by the adoption of technologies

and modern farm inputs. “Increasing the rate of technological adoption, facilitating access to irrigation systems and

improved farming practices that support resilience remains one of the greatest challenges facing the region” (OECD-

FAO, Agricultural Outlook, 2016).

Indeed, the scientific and technological advances have greatly expanded agricultural potential in many countries, as

such there exists significant technologies not only for improving agricultural commodities but for livestocks (including

caring of animals from pests and diseases), and made available the necessary inputs. Interestingly, international organ-

izations like United Nations, governing bodies, civil societies and NGO’s are investing in agriculture sector in devel-

oping world in different shape or form to meet farmers necessary demands and for financial security. At the same time,

they are operating in the area aiming at developing and improving the lives of rural poor by supplying modern agricul-

tural inputs as well as training. Rural farmers needs such innovative methods and mechanisms to help equip themselves

and sustain and enhance adaptation to extreme exposure and from natural disasters.

Rural farmers of developing countries including SSA and South Asia are experiencing farm and animal production that

are far below world averages and could not met with the rising demand of its overwhelming population. To ensure

inclusive development and improving the face of millions of poor whose livelihood are insecure due to poverty, one

has to pay attention in agriculture. Subsistence agriculture can bring more yield when adopting a series of farming

techniques and using modern tools, with improved seeds and fertilizers. It is the adoption of technology that determines

farmers growth progress, their proven methods of farming based on scientific knowledge and information. In addition,

a well functioning market system virtually helps in trading farmer’s marketable output, a well-performing and accessi-

bility to market helps them to fetch more benefits in their trading business.

The application of improved technology boosts production, and thereby, ensure food security which helps smallholders

more competitive in global market. It may be mention that, adoption of efficient technologies in farming portfolio

which comprise of using modern techniques of production, use of sophisticated tools and equipments and other inputs

to crops and livestocks are key to achieve optimum profitability in farming business. Nwachukwu (2017) purported

the need for application of more efficient technologies with the mechanization of agriculture comprising technological

innovations and interventions including but not limited to tractor machines, research, crop and animal seedlings hy-

bridization, facilities including fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides. According to Bertolini, “ICT’s can

integrate farmers into regional, national and international trade systems and helps in acquiring quality information,

reducing uncertainty and enhancing market participation” (Bertolini, 2004). Similarly, “creating IT platforms to more

effectively bring supply and demand together can be effective in improving prices received and creating rewards to

quality improvements” (McIntosh, 2016). Farmers who are more aware of a technology tends to have better education,




and live in proximity to research institutes and represent more in community decisions and collective actions and access

a network of various productive channels. Information and Communication technologies are important tools where

farmers can adopt for better returns.

Accessing to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) such as mobile phones, remote sensing, artificial

intelligence and other applications also plays a significant role in their trading business. In response to low farm pro-

duction, technology enhancement brings remarkable progress in their agricultural produce. For example, using mobile

phones and social media helps to connect and link to market place, and other agencies, and could accrue maximum

benefits and also helps to access other facilities as well. They also provides poor farmers who are unable to acquire

education, with some basic learning skills and information, a set of knowledge related to farming. Through this system,

farmers can also check weather information, minimize their potentially negative impacts, and the conditions of soil,

access information about the duration of planting season allowing them to assess accurately in time. In addition, use of

such equipments can bring major differences in crop plantations, like, the content of nutrients and the presence of

disease in crops. Such equipments, where they could received remotely collected information can help monitor their

crop status and take appropriate response in their production, based on that information. In addition, getting information

on commodity prices helps them to sell their crops at best possible price, preventing price volatility and speculation.

Hence, considerable amount of inexpensive sources of ready information can be obtain from this system.

Technological developments provides an opportunity to improve agricultural practices in developing countries and

facilitate better adaptation to climate change. Today, it is vital for poor farmers to access mobile phones and other

remote sensing technologies, due to its valuable, informative decision-making tool. This technology provides emerging

farmers a set of knowledge in regard to cropping, and harvesting throughout the entire value chain. “SSA now has

faster progress in its business environment than the Middle East and North Africa and Latin America” (World Bank

and IFC, 2006). Not surprisingly, many rural farmers due to illiteracy and lack of technical know- how, are found to be

slow in adapting and are less open in learning new technology. “This is attributed to farmers not being aware of the

benefits new technology can provide, the technologies not being available at the time they needed, or not being profit-

able due to land and labor allocation” (Kinuthia and Mabaya, 2017). Besides, other study examines that although,

improved productivity through agricultural technology can lead to increased incomes, adoption is associated with

capital and transactions cost that poor people may not be able to afford. The fact that, rural people are risk averse, with

limited resources, in many ways they often stick in low return activities.

Rural income is seen as a critical importance in improving rural livelihood in various ways. Indeed, agriculture has an

enormous potential in meeting youth employment, capable to absorb young entrance into labour market. Agriculture

creates most jobs in Africa, recent study illustrates that “the agricultural population in Africa stands at 530 million

people and is expected to exceed 580 million by 2020, while, population relies in this sector accounts for 48% of the

total African population (almost 70% in east Africa)” (NEPAD, 2013). The adoption of this new technology helps

create more employment for rural poor, especially, for new technology-specific crops. Basically due to more demand




of labour for its role as harvesting and threshing as yields increases. “Increased labour demand was greatest when new

varieties were introduced into high potential areas and often associated with an increase in cropping intensity” (David

and Otsuka, 1994).

Emerging Constraints Stemming From Farming

Agriculture is facing growing global and regional demand for food, industry and fuel. Continued population growth

due to urbanization and increase in income is placing pressure in the current food supplies and putting stress on our

already heavily burdened natural resources. The consequences of these rapid increase in demand combined with slow

supply has resulted to supply constraints and increased sensitivity of agricultural goods. Given the continent’s relatively

abundant uncultivated resources, yet vulnerable to external disasters and natural shocks, sustainability becomes a major

concern for future stability. Africa experiences tremendous change over the last decades, since the period beginning

from 1990 was generally characterized by low growth rates, followed by rapid transition especially during the period

when the region witnessed robust growth in early 2000s. Later, this period, the growth rates, deteriorates with the

occurrence of global food crises, of 2007-2008.

Today, the consensus of an agricultural development in SSA, is based on the application of new technology and inten-

sification of modern inputs (improved seeds and fertilizers). However, continuous droughts and extreme weather events

occurred in many parts of the region and degradation has been a common problem facing sub-Saharan Africa. “This

soil degradation is a consequence of continuous cultivation and the lack of crop rotation where high population densities

exists, resulting in soil acidification and deficiencies in soil organic carbon and micronutrients” (ILO, 2009). According

to recent study, higher price volatility are expected to occur particularly in the context of climate change. Investing in

infrastructure is one way to help overcome the challenges of poor farming productivity. Improved infrastructure would

increases value-addition to local-oriented commodity and thereby obtain maximum benefits. A number of developing

agencies, research institutions and governments programs are increasingly targeting smallholder farmers for achieving

successful farm production.

However, when looking at the present economic trends of SSA, one can still comment that agriculture sector is still

remain insufficient to achieve desired goals. Many developing countries has low or limited technology capacity and so,

subsistence farmers continues to stay stagnant which only increases poverty. Southern Africa is also known for, massive

constraints in farming—inadequate inputs for pests and diseases, water shortage, poor soil quality, and insufficient

supply of fuel. “Most African crop and animal production is practiced under low-input agricultural systems, leading to

poor quality soil and seeds, low plant and animal nutrition, and increased vulnerability to changes in weather and

climate” (The National Academies Report, 2008). At times, for the sake of enhancing yield, rural farmers usually, left

fallow lands to restore more nutrients. However, with the rapid increase in population, demand for food increases and

so, they had to continuously grow crops with or without nutrient.




Not surprisingly, in many SSA countries, agricultural production has been unable to meet the current requirements,

since population growth exceeded agricultural production. Which is why, food deficit increases, many countries de-

pended on import of essential commodities, the continent is net food importer over the years. “Between 2007 and 2011,

37 African countries were net importers of food and 22 were net importers of agricultural raw materials” (NEPAD,

2013). Similarly, study by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) showed that majority

of Africa’s low income countries mostly SSA were net food importers. Furthermore, IIED (2013) suggests that many

of the SSA countries more than 50% of small scale farmers (70% in Ethiopia) are net buyers of staple grains. Keeping

all these surveys in mind, one can pointed out that Africa is deficient in food supply, by not being able to increase its

net production. The region is well endowed and has the desirable market avenues. But, scaling up of production for

business is a key yet, precarious in many ways.

There is also technology-constraint in managing on-and off-farm production effectively. In addition, weak market sys-

tem, continues to deter delivery of modern equipments directly to farmers. Subsistence farmers have thus, become

increasingly vulnerable to a spectrum of all kinds of risks and challenges. “Many challenges need to be overcome,

including— widening technology divide, slow development of input and output markets and associated market services,

slow progress in regional integration, governance and institutional shortcomings in some countries, conflicts, HIV-

AIDS, and other diseases” (FAO, High Expert Level Forum, 2009). Linking smallholders with markets facilities and

availing them with improved techniques and inputs in farming activities will bring optimum production and reduce

risks and vulnerabilities and thus, encourage for business.

Recent study shows that most SSA countries experienced a steady declined in share of average land size with arable

land per person falling below 3-4 hectares. High rate of fertility within the communities and the divisions of land

holdings among rural households in the community as generation goes by, have been responsible for declining share

of land and property ownerships. Although the mean size farm in southern Africa tends to be large, yields of primary

staple crops such as cereals are substantially low compared to its relative size of cultivated land. Consequently, most

of the households, operate on a limited plot of land cannot able to increase their production at optimum level to meet

their nutritional demands. Apparently, low productivity and low yield have been among the main constraints facing

smallholders. The level of technology used and the productivity remains relatively low throughout the continent and

the degree of production and exports are still centered in a narrow scale which primarily are raw agricultural commod-

ities. “Lack of access to improve farming technologies (95%), high cost of improved technologies (93%), lack of access

to weather information (91%) and lack of finance (82%) are major problems constraining them to cope with the chal-

lenge of risk management” (Okereke, 2012). In addition, “since the need of the rapidly growing population could not

be met by expanding the area under cultivation, developing employment and disseminating yield increasing agricultural

technologies is imperative” (Datt and Ravallion, 1996).

When looking back at the net production value, which compares the value of production of all agricultural commodities,

one saw, discouraging overall results, off course there is a wide degree of variations across the region. Low yields and




returns of smallholders are largely attributed to limited use of innovative-enhancing inputs as mentioned earlier. Slow

productivity limits the ability to increase its share in global market and reap the benefits from international trade. This

reflects the fact that the continent’s share of agricultural exporting items have decline to a level and unable to keep in

tact with fast transforming economies who are exporting in larger scale.

One of the key challenges being faced by rural farmers includes, loss of soil fertility as rural farmers strip off all organic

matter from their fields. As a result, the soil have low holding capacities and therefore do not respond to new improved

inputs. By relying on external inputs for farming in less fertile land, it is not likely to be beneficial unless, there is

adequate moisture content in the soil. "Adoption of soil management methods that includes controlled grazing, mulch-

ing with organic matter, applying manure and biosolids, use of cover crops in the rotation cycle, retention of crop

residue, and judicious use of chemical fertilizer to overcome these challenges” (The National Academies Report, 2008).

Irrigation, undoubtedly has been a considered as one of the major component in for agricultural development. “On a

global scale there are about 20-30 million hectares of irrigated land that are severely affected by salinity” (Rosegrant

et al.,2002). This situation becomes increasingly complex and affecting the productivity level in massive scale. “Afri-

can- nation states responded to the situation of food crisis in the region by pursuing different policies and strategies

aimed at stimulating the adoption of new technologies and ultimately to boost food production and reduce poverty and

hunger, this move has borne far less than expected in results in Burundi as in other parts of SSA” (Jayne, et al.,2003).

In addition, “global economic competition, soaring population growth and the impact of climate change are challenges

that must be overcome in order to begin with the sustainable process of economic transition” (NEPAD, 2013).

The agriculture sector today, is increasingly impacted by climate change causing considerable destruction in farming

community. Smallholders in southern Africa already face severe problems due to environmental disasters. Their live-

lihoods are imperiled by impacts of global climate change and is expected to be worsened in coming years. Strength-

ening capacity adaptation for subsistence farmers and resiliency are often cited as the main strategy in response to the

threat of climate change.

Conclusions

The targeted goals should include tapping on irrigation for agriculture, using modern techniques, improve transportation

and infrastructure facilities, storage capacities, providing incentives to smallholders through financial institutions.

When it comes to technology adoption in farming system, priority should be given to rural farmers regardless of gender.

New technologies must meet local needs and should be affordable by local farmers. One should also be realize that, the

adoption of technology is cost-efficient. “In Sub-Saharan Africa, however public investment in agriculture is still far

below what is needed, despite commitments by African governments to allocate 10% of their public spending on it”

(Gaiha, et al., 2018). Governments and NGOs and civil societies needs to pay more attention on this sector, especially,

more budget needs to be devoted to agricultural research and extension services and considered as an important engine

for achieving country’s economic development. Besides, the pattern of climatic conditions and weather predictions




should be treated as priority in rural farming system, such as accurate prediction of natural disaster or the early onset

of tropical rainy season, to make sure that farmer are well informed and better equipped in response to such disasters.

Young Africans should be well equipped in basic knowledge and numeracy skills and possess potential to use digital

technology to access and interpret information. Since, agro-food business represents enormous opportunity for youth

employment as well as for rural development in developing countries. “They can be effective contributors to the local

economy, the diversification of which will open new opportunity spaces for youth with more diversified and attractive

jobs” (ILO, 2016). The poor farmers who have little education should access to agricultural extension services effec-

tively to sharpen their skills. In fact, those farmers having education skills are first in adopting new inputs for their

farming—seeds, tillage practices, fertilizer and modern tools. Scaling up agribusiness is encouraging since it generates

value addition to the commodity and fetch more incomes thus, improves profit margin. Different actors along the entire

value chain needs to be improved to increase efficiency and encourage competitiveness to meet consumer requirements

in regard to price, quality and the standards of the products.

African leaders, stakeholders, governments and other organizations have become a key player in formulating and im-

plementing agricultural policies. Farming requires a wide range of financial institutions, for accessing micro credit to

the rural farmers and insurance companies to cover risks as well as for purchasing modern techniques of production. It

is observed that rural poor, in particular smallholders, desperately needed risk-management tools and strategies to en-

hance resiliency to climate change and confront price volatility. As such, providing them with financial incentives for

purchasing modern farm inputs and offers training for soil management to neutralize land degradation has become

necessary. “The key is to prioritize investments and find the appropriate mix of flexible climate change mitigation and

adaptation policies and tools with the highest productivity-enhancing impact among different types of farmers, crops

and regions” (Bryan et al., 2011). Improvement on on-farm production can be done by making appropriate sets of

investments in modern inputs and irrigations. This strategies would also help eradicate post - harvest losses. Limitations

of the smallholders needs to be addressed to boosts productions and increase rural incomes and thereby improve the

living standard of the people.

While, the introduction of new technologies must include information relating to efficiency in farm production to im-

prove profit margin and minimize negative impacts. Increasing awareness through outreach programs, the creation of

institutional frameworks for action, and the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties are priority areas. Besides,

policies that give due importance in rural areas targeting women and other vulnerable groups in order to bridge gender

gap should be formulated. Study elsewhere shows that, the role of NGO’s and other donor supported have taken the

lead and are actively organizing women to form groups in order to access them with modern inputs and credits.




Another important issue for Africa is to continue unlocking involvement of private and public sectors at the same time

rehabilitating transport and other infrastructure along the development corridors. As it is already well known that Af-

rican countries face many social, development, economic, health, diplomatic, defense, security and political challenges.

Some of these challenges cannot be tackled effectively by individual members. Although it is noticed that government

in many cases formulates policies, but has not successfully been implemented. By improving access to new modern

inputs and restoring land management, farmers can move from subsistence to commercial-oriented farming that are

higher economic value. There is also a need to determine methods of identifying cost-effective ways in accessing mod-

ern farm inputs to guarantee food security.

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