Overview of the sustainable development report on Africa(SDRA) : agricultural and rural transformation in Africa

Abstract

This report provides an overview of the Sustainable Development Report on Africa (SDRA), focusing on agricultural and rural transformation in Africa. It highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by African economies in the context of globalization, emphasizing the continent's dependence on raw material exports and the need for economic transformation through enhanced agricultural productivity. The report discusses the critical role of agriculture in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly in reducing poverty and hunger. It notes the stagnation in agricultural productivity and the undercapitalization of the sector, which has resulted in increased food insecurity and environmental degradation. The report advocates for a comprehensive approach to agricultural transformation, encompassing the entire food and agriculture system, and emphasizes the importance of developing strategic agricultural commodity value chains. It outlines the need for increased public and private investment in agriculture, the promotion of public-private partnerships, and the strengthening of agricultural research and extension services.