Authors say traditional crops are being displaced in Africa — Al Jazeera
In an opinion article by Al Jazeera English, its authors, citing their own research, stated that AGRA's approach to agricultural development in Africa contributed to the displacement of traditional crops. In their view, support for commercial seeds, fertilizers and monocultures encouraged the expansion of maize cultivation, while millet and other local crops lost acreage and investment.
AGRA, formerly known as the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, marks its 20th anniversary this year. The authors argue that the initiative did not deliver the promised “productivity revolution.”
Maize acreage
According to data cited by the authors, the number of undernourished people in countries with a significant AGRA presence increased by approximately 60% — at roughly the same rate as in the rest of Africa. Maize yields in countries participating in AGRA projects increased by 40% over 18 years, although the initiative had promised a 100% increase.
Maize production in these countries, according to the authors' assessment, more than doubled mainly due to the expansion of cultivated areas. Land area under maize increased by 71%, while the area under millet declined by 12%.
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Decline in millet production
The authors also noted that since AGRA was launched in 2006, cassava productivity in the 13 participating countries has fallen by 21%, and peanut productivity by 10%. In their assessment, millet was affected the most: its production declined by 27%, and its yield by 17%.
The article describes millet as a crop resistant to heat and drought, requiring relatively few external inputs and important for food supplies in Africa's arid regions. In 2023, the FAO marked the Year of Millet, emphasizing its benefits for the environment and social well-being.
The authors called on AGRA, the African Development Bank, foreign donors and African governments to support crop diversity, farmers' rights to save, use and exchange seeds, as well as local knowledge. Al Jazeera notes that the views expressed in the opinion article do not necessarily reflect the outlet's editorial position.
