Accelerating the Transition to Sustainable Food Production: 2025 to 2030

Dr Akinumwi A. Adesina (President African Development Bank.

Introduction:

In a few days from now, it will be year 2025 and this means that Africa will now need over US$ 110 bn to feed its people from US$ 35 bn in the past years. (Extract from the African Development Bank’s Feed Africa Strategy 2016 to 2025). an extract from the Feed Africa Strategy by the African Development Bank.

What do we need to do now?

Sustainable food production is no longer just an option—it is an imperative. As global populations grow and environmental challenges intensify, the need for innovative, resilient, and regenerative agricultural systems has never been more critical. At Farmer's Pride International (FPI), we are dedicated to accelerating this transition by harnessing the power of modern technology, sustainable practices, and collaborative networks. Our vision is to turn agricultural challenges into opportunities, fostering a future where food production aligns with environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

The Urgency for Change

The current global food production system is under immense pressure. Conventional farming practices have led to soil degradation, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, millions of people face food insecurity and poverty, especially in rural areas. Addressing these challenges requires a paradigm shift toward sustainable practices that not only feed the world but also preserve our planet for future generations.

Demographics and Food Demand

Africa, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, has a median age of 19.7 years, making it the youngest continent globally. This youthful population presents a significant opportunity and challenge for food production. The continent’s food demand is projected to triple by 2050 due to rapid population growth and urbanization. Similarly, Asia, home to over 4.7 billion people, and Latin America with 662 million, are regions experiencing rising food consumption, driven by changing dietary patterns and economic growth.

In contrast, food production in many regions, including Africa, lags behind consumption rates. While Africa produces 246 million metric tons of cereals annually, it imports over 100 million metric tons to meet demand. Asia’s rice production leads globally, but disparities in production and consumption persist in certain subregions. Addressing these gaps requires not only increasing productivity but also adopting sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability.

Our Approach: Integrating Innovation and Sustainability

1. Regenerative Agriculture: At the core of our mission is the adoption of regenerative farming practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and capture carbon. By working with farmers to implement techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and no-till farming, we are creating systems that are both sustainable and productive.

2. Integration of Cutting-Edge Technology: Technology is a cornerstone of our strategy to modernize and optimize food production. From precision agriculture tools that analyze soil health and monitor crop growth to IoT-enabled systems for water management and pest control, we empower farmers to make data-driven decisions. Additionally, digital platforms provide market access, supply chain transparency, and training resources, ensuring that technology bridges gaps and maximizes efficiency across the agricultural ecosystem.

3. Education and Capacity Building: Empowering farmers is at the heart of our work. Through training programs, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, we equip rural and urban farmers with the skills to adopt sustainable practices and increase their productivity. Our focus on women and youth ensures inclusivity and addresses systemic inequalities in agriculture.

4. Agriculture-Based Clusters (ABCs): Our ABCs model integrates production, value addition, agro-processing, and export into a cohesive framework. This approach transforms farming communities into agro-industrial hubs, driving economic growth and creating sustainable livelihoods. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we ensure that every step of the value chain is optimized for maximum impact.

The Expected Impact

FPI’s efforts to accelerate sustainable food production are designed to achieve measurable outcomes:

• Economic Empowerment: By increasing productivity and fostering entrepreneurship, we create jobs and reduce poverty in farming communities.
• Improved Food Security: Sustainable practices enhance resilience to climate change and ensure a steady supply of nutritious food for growing populations.
• Environmental Conservation: Regenerative agriculture mitigates climate change by sequestering carbon and preserving natural ecosystems.
• Social Equity: Our focus on empowering women and youth ensures that the benefits of sustainable agriculture are distributed equitably.

Call to Action

The transition to sustainable food production is a collective responsibility. Governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals all have a role to play in creating a future where agriculture supports both people and the planet. FPI invites you to join us in this transformative journey. Whether as a partner, investor, or advocate, your involvement can make a significant difference.

Together, let’s accelerate the transition to a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous food system for all.

Conclusion

At Farmer’s Pride International, we envision a world where sustainable food production is the norm, not the exception. By leveraging innovation, education, technology integration, and strategic collaboration, we are creating pathways to a brighter, more sustainable future. 

Let’s work together to turn this vision into reality and leave a legacy of abundance, equity, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.

Visit our website to learn more about our work: https://www.farmersprideinternational.org/