Kilimokwanza.org

In the fourth episode of Kalibanter , AGRA’s flagship podcast series, the conversation delved into the pivotal role of leadership in driving Africa’s agricultural transformation. Hosted by Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and a renowned advocate for sustainable food systems, this episode explored how nurturing and equipping emerging leaders can catalyze meaningful and lasting change in Africa’s food systems. The discussion brought together diverse voices from across the continent to highlight the importance of collaborative, adaptive, and innovative leadership in addressing agriculture’s complex challenges.

The Role of Leadership in Food Security

Dr. Kalibata opened the episode by reflecting on her statement in 2023: “Achieving Africa’s food security and economic growth requires leaders who are responsive, adaptable, and collaborative while also integrating new strategies for environmentally sustainable agriculture.” This quote set the tone for the conversation, emphasizing that leadership is about managing resources and fostering collaboration, innovation, and systemic change.

Africa’s food security challenges are multifaceted, requiring coordinated efforts across government, private sector, civil society, and local communities. Dr. Kalibata underscored that it is nearly impossible to build systems that integrate these diverse stakeholders without effective leadership. From ensuring smallholder farmers have access to markets and financing to creating policies supporting sustainable practices, leadership is the linchpin of the agricultural ecosystem.

This is where the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) comes in—a transformative leadership program spearheaded by AGRA and supported by partners such as BMZ, KfW, and the MasterCard Foundation. CALA is designed to equip leaders with practical skills to navigate the complexities of food systems, drive policy implementation, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. Over its four cohorts, CALA has empowered over 160 leaders across eight African countries, providing them with the tools and networks to address some of the continent’s most pressing agricultural challenges.

Building a Network of Change-Makers

The episode featured three inspiring voices from CALA participants, each sharing their unique journey and insights gained through the program:

• Florence Jelagat, Deputy Director for Market Research at Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority, highlighted how CALA has strengthened collaborations among key stakeholders in Kenya’s agricultural sector. She emphasized the program’s role in increasing access to financing for small-scale farmers, women, and youth—a critical step toward achieving food security. Florence also noted the value of connecting with peers from other countries, which has broadened her understanding of regional approaches to agricultural challenges.
• Kelvin Odoobo, CEO and founder of Shamba Pro, an agritech startup based in Rwanda, shared how CALA helped him transition from corporate expertise to entrepreneurial leadership. He described a profound shift in his mindset—from “silo thinking to food system thinking.” This holistic perspective has enabled him to approach smallholder farmers’ challenges with a broader lens, considering market dynamics, policy-making, and private-sector engagement. Kevin also stressed the importance of leveraging technology to attract young people to agriculture, presenting it as a data-driven, tech-integrated, and financially viable sector.
• Tyani B. , Senior Development Planning Specialist at Malawi’s National Planning Commission, underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector. He cited examples from Malawi, where government-backed innovations in wheat production were scaled through partnerships with private agribusinesses. Tyani emphasized that such collaborations are crucial in mitigating food security risks caused by disruptions in global supply chains, such as those triggered by the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Transformative Lessons for Future Leaders

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the importance of redefining what leadership means in agriculture. As Kevin pointed out, leadership is not confined to positional authority but about influence, collaboration, and problem-solving. Participants agreed that young leaders must be encouraged to lead from wherever they are comfortable—whether from the front, middle, or back—while recognizing their responsibility to contribute to their networks and communities.

Another critical lesson was the need to present agriculture as a modern, dynamic, and aspirational field. Florence highlighted the importance of including young people in decision-making and showcasing agriculture as an opportunity-generating sector. She argued that traditional images of aging farmers often deter youth from engaging in agriculture. Instead, highlighting young agripreneurs leveraging innovation and technology can inspire a new generation to see agriculture as a viable career path.

Kevin echoed this sentiment, calling for a realistic portrayal of agriculture that showcases successes and failures. By avoiding sensationalized narratives and focusing on data-driven, professional approaches, the sector can attract young people eager to make a difference.

The Power of Networks and Representation

A recurring theme throughout the episode was the transformative power of networks. Florence emphasized that one of CALA’s greatest strengths is connecting leaders from diverse backgrounds, enabling knowledge exchange across different countries. For instance, she learned about innovative approaches to managing aflatoxins in cereals from colleagues in Malawi and Ghana—insights she plans to apply at Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority.

Similarly, Kevin and Tyani spoke about the value of maintaining connections with fellow CALA alumni. Whether seeking advice on policy implementation or collaborating on cross-border initiatives, the network provides a platform for ongoing support and learning. Tyani noted that CALA has created a “club of leaders” who care about each other’s success, going beyond mere information-sharing to actively supporting one another in day-to-day work.

Expanding the Reach of CALA

As the episode drew close, participants expressed a shared vision for scaling CALA’s impact. Kevin called for expanding the program’s reach, suggesting that CALA could become the go-to platform for policymakers and private-sector leaders looking to drive meaningful change in food systems. He emphasized the need for a critical mass of leaders equipped with the skills, networks, and mindset to champion agricultural transformation at all levels.

Dr. Kalibata echoed this sentiment, reiterating AGRA’s commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders. She highlighted the importance of building mindsets that align with the future direction of food systems rather than simply seeking a “mindset shift.” By starting with young people—who are naturally open to new ideas and technologies—programs like CALA can lay the foundation for sustainable agricultural transformation.

Leadership as the Catalyst for Change

The fourth episode of Kalibanter reinforced the idea that leadership is the driving force behind sustainable agricultural transformation. Programs like CALA not only equip individuals with the tools to address sector-wide challenges but also cultivate a network of leaders committed to shaping Africa’s food security landscape.

As Florence, Kevin, and Tyani demonstrated, the future of Africa’s food systems depends on bold, solutions-oriented leadership. AGRA and its partners are paving the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure Africa by investing in young, dynamic leaders and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Through platforms like CALA, Africa is not just building leaders—it is building a movement. And as Dr. Kalibata aptly put it, “We went to CALA just to build leaders and platforms, but we are also learning and getting a lot of knowledge and support from our cohorts.” Together, these leaders are transforming agriculture into a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and prosperity for all.