The Regional Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ReNAPRI) recently hosted a thought-provoking side event during the Africa Food System Forum (AGRF), titled “Policy Prioritization through Value-Chain Analysis: Public-Private Partnerships in Policymaking, Implementation, Competitiveness, and Investment.” This engaging event brought together experts from various fields to discuss a critical aspect of African agriculture: Policy Prioritization through Value-Chain Analysis (PPVC).
Dr. Mmatlou Kalaba (Senior Analyst and Executive Director at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP)) kicked off the session with an enlightening keynote presentation, offering an overview of PPVC. This market-led approach emphasizes the importance of developing regionally and globally competitive value chains that not only enhance agricultural productivity but also contribute to poverty reduction. PPVC is instrumental in guiding policy reforms and investment decisions, aligning them with the goal of inclusive agricultural transformation.
The panel discussion featured an esteemed group of experts, including Miss Aika Okting’ati Aku (Assistant Lecturer, College of Economics and Business Studies (CoEBS), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania), Dr. Zena Mpenda (Lecturer, School Of Agriculture Economics And Business Studies (SAEBS), Sokoine University Of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania), Mr. Elifadhili Ezekiel (Head of operations Qstek Farming limited), Dr. Andrew Agyei-Holmes (Research Fellow, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) University of Ghana), and Mr. Alan Rennison (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Senior Program Officer), who brought their unique perspectives to the forefront. The session, skillfully moderated by Dr. Lilian Kirimi (Senior Research Fellow and the current Research Coordinator at Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, Egerton University), explored the value addition that PPVC brings to the policymaking process and investment strategies.
Key takeaways from the event included the significance of public-private partnerships in shaping effective agricultural policies, fostering competitiveness, and driving investments. Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and the private sector to ensure the success of value-chain analysis and policy prioritization.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Nalishebo Meebelo, the Executive Director of ReNAPRI, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s success and the enthusiastic participation of attendees. She also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other organizations, which underscores ReNAPRI’s commitment to contributing to Africa’s agricultural policy landscape.
The ReNAPRI side event at AGRF shed light on the transformative potential of PPVC in African agriculture. It emphasized the need for innovative approaches, collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking to unlock the continent’s vast agricultural potential and drive sustainable development. This event marks a significant step forward in the journey toward a more prosperous and food-secure Africa.
