The Role of Peace, Discipline, and Good Governance in Africa’s Agricultural and Agribusiness Development

By Desalegn Terecha
Agriculture remains the backbone of Africa’s economy, employing over 60% of its workforce and contributing significantly to GDP in many countries. However, the sector’s full potential is often hindered by three critical challenges: lack of peace, absence of discipline among the youth, and weak governance structures. When these three pillars—peace, discipline, and good governance—are upheld, agriculture thrives, leading to food security, employment, and economic growth.

1. Peace: A Prerequisite for Agricultural Growth

Conflict and political instability have devastated Africa’s agricultural sector in many regions. War disrupts farming activities, displaces rural populations, and destroys infrastructure, leading to reduced productivity.

Case Studies of Conflict Impact on Agriculture:

• Ethiopia: The recent conflicts in northern Ethiopia, including Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions, severely affected agricultural production. Farmers were unable to plant or harvest crops, resulting in food shortages and skyrocketing prices.
• South Sudan: Decades of civil war have hindered the country’s ability to develop its vast agricultural resources. Despite having fertile land, South Sudan remains one of the most food-insecure nations due to constant displacement and violence.
• Nigeria: The Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of the country has forced thousands of farmers to flee their land. The insecurity has also disrupted cattle rearing and fishing activities in the Lake Chad region, leading to food shortages and inflation.

When peace prevails, farmers can cultivate their land without fear, agribusinesses can operate efficiently, and investors are more willing to support the sector, ensuring a thriving agricultural economy.

2. Discipline: Empowering Youth for Agribusiness Success

Africa’s youth population is growing rapidly, yet many young people remain unemployed or engage in non-productive activities. A lack of discipline—manifested through reluctance to work in agriculture, dependency on quick gains, and involvement in criminal activities—has hampered agribusiness development.

Initiatives to Promote Youth Discipline and Engagement in Agriculture:

• Kenya: Many youth consider agriculture outdated. However, initiatives such as agripreneurship training programs are changing this perception by encouraging the adoption of modern farming techniques and technology-driven agribusinesses.
• Ghana: Some youth are drawn into illegal mining ("galamsey"), which destroys fertile land and water sources. The government is working to reclaim land and provide alternative agribusiness opportunities.
• South Africa: High youth unemployment has driven many into crime rather than productive sectors like agribusiness. Programs like AgriSETA (Agricultural Sector Education and Training Authority) are training young people in agribusiness skills, improving employment prospects.

Discipline among youth—through education, vocational training, and mindset change—is crucial for ensuring agriculture remains a viable and attractive career path.

3. Good Governance: The Key to Agricultural Transformation

Agriculture thrives in an environment where policies are clear, institutions function efficiently, and corruption is minimized. However, poor governance leads to mismanagement of agricultural projects, lack of access to credit, and policy inconsistency, preventing agricultural development.

Examples of Governance Challenges and Successes in Agriculture:

• Zimbabwe: The land reform program, while aimed at redistributing land to the black majority, was poorly managed. This resulted in a decline in agricultural productivity as many new landowners lacked the resources or skills to farm efficiently.
• DR Congo: Despite having vast arable land, weak governance has led to underdevelopment in agriculture. Corruption and mismanagement of resources prevent farmers from accessing necessary support such as fertilizers, modern equipment, and financing.
• Rwanda: A success story in good governance, Rwanda has implemented strong agricultural policies that encourage productivity and investment. The government has provided subsidies for farmers, improved infrastructure, and strengthened market linkages, making Rwanda a leader in agribusiness growth.

Good governance ensures efficient use of resources, which is vital for transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape.

The Way Forward

To unlock Africa’s agricultural and agribusiness potential, governments and stakeholders must prioritize:

• Ensuring Peace: Conflict resolution, security, and political stability must be prioritized to protect the agricultural sector.
• Promoting Discipline Among the Youth: Through education, mentorship, and skills development in agribusiness, youth can be empowered to contribute meaningfully to the sector.
• Strengthening Governance: Transparent policies, fighting corruption, and investing in rural infrastructure are essential for agricultural development.

With the right approach, Africa can transform its agricultural sector, creating employment, ensuring food security, and driving economic growth.