Building resilient agribusiness: Insights and opportunities from the CGIAR food systems accelerator in East and Southern Africa

Agriculture is the lifeblood of East and Southern Africa, shaping economies, providing livelihoods, and underpinning food security. Yet, this vital sector is at a crossroads. Climate change, fragmented value chains, and resource degradation challenge the region’s ability to meet the food demands of its rapidly expanding population. Smallholder farmers, who produce the bulk of food consumed in the region, are particularly vulnerable, often bearing the brunt of these systemic inefficiencies. Amid these challenges lies an opportunity: the potential to transform agricultural systems into dynamic engines of economic growth and climate resilience. This transformation, however, requires more than traditional methods; it demands bold solutions, innovative approaches, and strategic investments to bridge the gaps between vision and reality. Despite the sector’s critical importance, agriculture remains underfunded. Private capital flows are limited, with only a fraction of venture financing and development finance reaching agribusinesses. This underinvestment stems from the perception of agriculture as a high-risk sector, compounded by climate uncertainties, information asymmetries, and high transaction costs.

Musau, C.; Peterson, N.