On November 27th and 28th, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, ICPAC (IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre) hosted the IGAD Food Systems Resilience Index Validation Workshop, a landmark event that convened senior government officials, technical experts, and representatives from the private sector, UN agencies, and NGOs. The workshop aimed to validate the IGAD Food Systems Resilience Index and officially launch the IGAD Food Systems Status Report, a foundational document for data-driven policy formulation and regional collaboration.
Representing the private sector, Josephine Adeti Otieno, our Co-founder and CTO, joined a distinguished panel to discuss the pivotal role of innovation and private-sector-driven solutions in transforming Africa’s food systems. The panel, moderated by Mr. Baker Mulinde of NTV Uganda, included leaders from IGAD, member state ministries, and civil society: Alemtsehay Sergawi–Head of Nutrition and Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia; Amira Abdelrahman – Secretary-General of the Food Security Technical Secretariat, MoA Sudan; Josephine Adeti Otieno- our Co-founder and CTO; Dr. Mohamed Ahmed – Head of OWS development fund, and Dr. Abdi Fidar – Director, ICPAC. who collectively explored governance, data systems, resource mobilization, and multi-stakeholder engagement in the region’s food systems.
The Role of the Private Sector in Innovation and Resilience
During the panel, Ms. Otieno emphasized that the private sector is uniquely positioned to drive transformative innovations across the food systems value chain. “Private enterprises often operate at the intersection of technology, markets, and local realities,” she noted, adding that their agility and entrepreneurial spirit allow them to develop and scale solutions rapidly. These solutions range from improving post-harvest handling and digital financial tools for farmers to leveraging data-driven insights for market access and climate-smart agricultural practices.
Radava Mercantile’s work exemplifies this approach. Through partnerships with farmer cooperatives in Kenya, we enable smallholder farmers to access certified storage facilities, financial education, and credit services. These interventions not only reduce post-harvest losses but also increase farmers’ incomes and build climate resilience—a critical priority for food systems in the IGAD region.
Creating an Enabling Environment for Growth
Ms. Otieno underscored the need for governments to create enabling business environments that support private-sector investments in food systems. This includes easing cross-border trade regulations, fostering partnerships for agricultural exports, and improving infrastructure to attract external investors. “A favorable business environment is a catalyst for growth,” she remarked, adding that governments can further incentivize private-sector participation through tax breaks for businesses investing in agriculture or sustainable food systems.
Kenya’s Green Energy Act serves as a model, offering tax incentives to encourage investments in climate-smart agriculture. Similarly, regional cooperation among IGAD member states could lead to large-scale projects such as cross-border irrigation systems, market integration, and coordinated pest control, leveraging pooled resources from various countries and donors.
Innovative Financing Mechanisms: A Game-Changer
The workshop also explored innovative financing mechanisms that the private sector can spearhead. Ms. Otieno highlighted the Warehouse Receipt System Council, an initiative enabling farmers to use their produce as collateral for accessing credit. Such mechanisms empower smallholder farmers, improving liquidity and facilitating investment in sustainable practices.
In addition to direct financing, export financing can play a crucial role. Encouraging local banks to offer favorable terms for agricultural exports can open up new revenue streams for farmers and food systems players. By leveraging trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), countries like Kenya have successfully expanded their markets, creating opportunities for food systems growth.
Allocating Resources for Long-Term Impact
Ms. Otieno also advocated for greater prioritization of agriculture and food security within national budgets. Increased allocations to critical areas such as food systems infrastructure, research, and farmer support are essential for sustained impact.
Fostering Collaboration for Sustainable Impact
The workshop’s outcome underscored the importance of fostering cross-sector collaboration to address the complex challenges facing Africa’s food systems. Ms. Otieno’s contributions highlighted that the private sector is not just a participant but a driver of progress. Through innovation, resource mobilization, and technology deployment, the private sector plays a critical role in advancing food systems pathways that ensure food security, sustainability, and economic empowerment.
As the IGAD region moves forward with its Food Systems Resilience Report, the insights shared during the workshop will serve as a guiding framework for action. Radava Mercantile remains committed to contributing to these efforts, working alongside stakeholders to build a future where no farmer is left behind and no region faces hunger.
About Radava Mercantile
Radava Mercantile is a social enterprise based in Kenya that partners with smallholder farmers to deliver innovative post-harvest solutions, financial inclusion, and market access, driving sustainable agricultural growth across Africa.