Despite its importance to economic growth and poverty reduction, agriculture remains a neglected sector in Africa.
Food crops are still the basis for the badly needed green revolution in Africa because of the large share of food that is imported; the fact that poorer farmers are more likely to produce staple crops; and, that low profit margins discourage the private sector from investing to develop the value chains in this sector the way that they do for vegetables, fruits, or sesame, for example.
OFSDAT helps farmers improve production and make the most of their land. We help rural communities make a decent living from farming, while protecting the environment for years to come.
Building on over 30 years’ experience of working with African farmers, OFSDAT focuses on unleashing the productive power of Africa’s smallholder farmers, who manage 80% of the continent’s farmland.
Working with farmers growing crops, keeping livestock and managing fisheries, OFSDAT helps farmers make the most of their land. We share our expertise in growing the most appropriate and profitable crops.
We help farmers prevent pests and act as a bridge with suppliers: we ensure farmers gain access to the high-quality seed and fertilisers they need, warehouses to store their crops and the vaccines that will protect their animals.
One good harvest is not enough. We take a long-term view to help farmers achieve good harvests year after year. We work with them to better manage their resources, to improve soil quality, to conserve water and to better protect grazing land.
Increasing yields is only half the equation when it comes to increasing farmers’ incomes. We help them secure higher prices by working with other farmers to aggregate crops and sell them in bulk, and by marketing their produce better.
Climate change is an additional challenge to effective farming in Africa. We help farmers prepare. We work with them to plan for the long term, especially for climate shocks, like flooding or drought.
