Group raises alarm over impact of COVID-19 on food production

The Heifer International, an organisation working to eradicate poverty and hunger, says Africa risks food crisis following the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on young farmers.

The group said farmers need funding and training in agri-tech to effectively contribute to food production and distribution.

A study carried out by the group in Nigeria and 11 other countries across Africa, and contained in a report, noted that almost half of  youths on the continent involved in food chain have closed shops while another huge chunk of the farmers lack the financial capacity to grow back their businesses.

The report, titled ‘The Future of Africa’s Agriculture: An Assessment of the Role of Youth and Technology’, looked at the dismal youth engagement in agriculture and how lack of financing and training opportunities were hindering food production in the continent.

Adesuwa Ifedi, senior vice-president for Africa programs at the Heifer International, said, “Youth engagement in agriculture will be essential to recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic, both to rejuvenate the continent’s agri-food system and develop economic opportunities for young Africans.

“The study provides new insights into how the pandemic is affecting African farmers. Some 40 per cent of agriculture organisations featured in the survey report that they were forced to close at least temporarily due to the pandemic. Thirty eight per cent experienced a reduction in average purchase amount per customer and 36 per cent still do not have the financial capital to grow back their businesses.”

Ifedi added that only 23 per cent of the youths engaged in agriculture are using any form of agricultural technology.

She added, “As this report reveals, Africa is not providing the financing or training to ensure its young people have easy access to the same agritech tools like drone technologies, precision soil sensors and digital farmer services that are transforming food production around the world.”

According to the report, a company in Ghana is providing drones that offer precision applications of pesticides and fertilisers and another company in Kenya is ensuring that “obtaining a tractor is as easy as booking an Uber.”