PAFO and African Development Bank Strengthen Partnership to Support Small-Scale Farmers
The Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) and the African Development Bank have further solidified their partnership to enhance support for small-scale farmers across Africa.
On December 13, 2024, a PAFO delegation, led by President Ibrahima Coulibaly, visited the African Development Bank’s headquarters to advance the goals of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in October 2023.
Dr. Martin Fregene, Director of Agriculture and Agro-industry at the Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the partnership. He highlighted the Bank’s investments in agriculture, which have benefitted over 14 million producers, providing essential inputs and improving market access.
However, he acknowledged the sector’s ongoing challenges and encouraged input from organizations like PAFO to strengthen their collective impact.
During the meeting, Coulibaly outlined PAFO’s mission to empower smallholder farmers and advocate for their rights. He emphasized the importance of strategic support from the Bank, particularly in addressing agricultural challenges that hold the key to solving up to 80% of the continent’s problems.
The meeting concluded with plans to co-host a High-Level Conference on Financing Small-Scale Farmers in the second quarter of 2025. The conference will bring together stakeholders to address the financial needs of small-scale farmers and explore sustainable solutions to enhance their livelihoods.
The two organizations also agreed to develop an action plan focused on capacity building, technology integration, and improved access to finance, especially for women and youth farmers.
Coulibaly stated, “The Bank’s ‘Feed Africa’ strategy is a pivotal initiative for transforming Africa’s farming sector. We are eager to collaborate with the Bank to help shape this vision and ensure that farmers, especially women and youth, receive the support and resources they need to thrive.”
This partnership is in line with the African Development Bank’s ‘High 5’ priorities, particularly its commitment to “Feed Africa.” By collaborating with civil society organizations like PAFO, the Bank aims to foster sustainable development across the continent.
