Archive for category: Agriculture

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How Beekeeping in Uganda Is Transforming Rural Communities

Beekeeping in UgandaAgriculture remains an important source of income for Ugandan families, particularly in rural communities. However, farmers often face limited access to financing, reliable markets and opportunities to add value to their products. The World Bank estimated that more than four in 10 Ugandans lived below the international poverty line of $2.15 per person per day in 2024. Beekeeping offers rural families another way to generate income while supporting agriculture and biodiversity.

The Growing Role of Beekeeping

Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, has become an increasingly important agricultural activity in Uganda. The country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries reported that honey production increased from 20,875 metric tons in 2022 to 2023 to 21,505 metric tons in 2023 to 2024, a 3% increase. The ministry identifies apiculture as an opportunity for employment, income generation and profitability, particularly for women and young people.

Beyond honey production, bees support agriculture through pollination. Pollinators help maintain food production and biodiversity, making beekeeping valuable to farmers who grow crops alongside their apiaries. Beekeeping can provide smallholder farmers with an additional source of income while supporting the ecosystems on which agriculture depends.

Beekeeping Creates Opportunities for Women

Women can also use beekeeping to diversify their incomes and gain greater economic independence. The Budongo Women Bee Enterprise in Uganda’s Masindi region provides one example. Eleven women created the cooperative in 2012, and 40 women have since benefited directly from training in beekeeping and candle making. Members sell honey twice a year and produce mosquito-repellent candles from beeswax.

The initiative connects beekeeping with broader community development. The women receive training in marketing, financial management and leadership while the cooperative supports sustainable land-use practices and tree planting. By combining honey production with other products and skills, the project gives women several ways to generate income while encouraging environmental conservation.

Supporting a Growing Industry

Organizations such as the Uganda National Apiculture Development Organization (TUNADO) also support the country’s beekeeping sector by connecting beekeepers, processors, trainers, researchers and other industry participants. TUNADO reports that its activities have reached more than 100,000 beekeepers across Uganda, including 45,000 women involved in different parts of the apiculture value chain. The organization also reports training 1,400 people with disabilities in beekeeping and honey production.

These efforts can help farmers access knowledge and markets while creating opportunities beyond the farm. Beekeeping can support jobs in honey processing, packaging, equipment production and marketing, allowing rural communities to benefit from several stages of the value chain.

A Sustainable Path Forward

Beekeeping does not require farmers to abandon other agricultural activities. Instead, farmers can integrate hives into existing farming systems while benefiting from pollination and additional products such as beeswax and propolis.

However, beekeepers still face challenges, including limited access to modern equipment, financing, training and reliable markets. Expanding technical support and improving access to higher-value markets could help more farmers benefit from the growing honey industry.

– Violette Bardouil

Violette is based in Paris, France and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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eAgrar: The Digital Platform for Small Farms in Serbia

digital platform for small farms in SerbiaAccording to the World Bank, Serbia’s economy grew by only 2% in 2025, a notable decline from 3.9% the year before. Poor weather conditions were a major factor, particularly affecting farm output and dragging down overall growth. The poverty rate held steady at about 7.8% in 2025, and while further decreases are expected, they will likely come slowly. Many of those still living in poverty face long-term unemployment, which makes it difficult for them to share in the benefits of economic recovery. On a more hopeful note, Serbia’s gross domestic product (GDP) per person stood at $15,262 in 2025, and the economy is projected to pick up in 2026 as consumer spending and investment strengthen.

Farming remains vital to rural communities across the country, yet the sector struggles with ongoing challenges that contribute to these poverty trends. Even so, the government continues to invest heavily in agricultural support. A report from the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) in April 2026 found that Serbia allocates more than 100 billion Serbian dinars (RSD), about $920 million each year to farm subsidies, with roughly 280,000 to 300,000 farmers submitting applications annually. In 2023, to make this system more open and user-friendly, the Ministry of Agriculture introduced a digital platform for small farms in Serbia named eAgrar.

What Is eAgrar?

eAgrar is an online platform designed to modernize how farmers register their agricultural properties and apply for government subsidies. Before this system existed, farmers had to register in person at government offices, filling out paperwork by hand and spending hours waiting in lines. The platform allows farm owners to handle the entire process online from home, on a computer or a device such as a smartphone or tablet. In its first year, more than 330,000 farms were registered through the system, showing how quickly Serbian farmers embraced the change.

eAgrar helps farmers update records faster and with fewer issues, while the system keeps a history of all past changes. Farmers can also view their own registration information and subsidy applications at any time, and the platform’s connection with other government databases simplifies verification without extra documents. Overall, this digital platform for small farms in Serbia is helping small-scale farmers access financial support more easily. One reported estimate suggests that farmers who keep their registration current and use available subsidies earn 15% to 20% more than those who do not, supporting incomes and Serbia’s rural economy.

eAgrar’s Reach

According to an article published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the platform has made a difference for farmers like Milivoje Ćosić, a smallholder from the village of Mionica who took over family land passed down through generations. Before eAgrar, applying for subsidies was a slow process that could stretch over a week. Now, Ćosić uses the platform to request financial support from home using just his smartphone. He says going digital has made farm registration easier and simplified the steps for getting aid, making agriculture more appealing to the younger generation. His daughter Irina shares this outlook, viewing the platform as part of a modern farming landscape that gives people her age the chance to start their own agricultural businesses on family land.

What eAgrar Means for Serbia

eAgrar stands as a pivotal digital platform for small farms in Serbia, changing how farmers access financial support. This easier access to subsidies and registration can help lift farming families out of poverty and support a more resilient agricultural economy. In a country where agriculture plays an important role in economic output, platforms like eAgrar show how modernization can help address rural poverty.

– Melody Ruiz

Melody is based in Bronx, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Agricultural Investment in Vanuatu Supports Rural Communities

Agricultural Investment in VanuatuVanuatu’s rural communities face persistent challenges, with poverty, food insecurity and limited economic opportunities affecting families across the island nation. The World Bank estimated Vanuatu’s poverty rate at 34.9% in 2019, using the lower-middle-income poverty line of $3.65 per person per day.

Agricultural investment in Vanuatu is central to many households’ livelihoods, as about 80% of the population depends on subsistence agriculture for daily needs. Low agricultural productivity and limited market access make it difficult for rural families to escape poverty and build stable incomes.

To address these challenges, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Vanuatu launched the Agricultural Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) initiative in September 2025. The $11 million partnership will strengthen local food systems, improve nutrition and expand economic opportunities for small-scale farmers across the country. The initiative will reach 15,350 people in 65 rural communities by supporting community and kitchen gardens, improving market access and helping farmers build the skills needed to increase production and secure better prices for their produce.

Agricultural Challenges Limit Rural Livelihoods

Although agriculture remains a major source of food and income for rural communities, many farmers face barriers that limit their ability to improve their livelihoods. The need for agricultural investment in Vanuatu remains critical: nearly 90% of households grow vegetables, yet productivity remains low. The country also faces significant nutrition challenges, with nearly one-third of children under five experiencing stunting and one in five adults being overweight, partly due to increased reliance on low-cost imported foods.

Natural disasters have further intensified challenges for rural households by disrupting access to markets and reducing economic stability. Following a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in December 2024, the World Bank found that 20% of households in Shefa Province experienced severe damage to their homes, while 55% faced difficulties accessing markets. The share of households experiencing moderate food insecurity also increased from 29% in December 2024 to 48% in January 2025.

Agricultural Investment Expands Economic Opportunities

Through AIM-N, the project is helping rural communities strengthen food systems while creating new economic opportunities for small-scale farmers. The initiative will support community and kitchen gardens and work with six secondary boarding schools to purchase food from local farmers. By connecting producers with reliable markets, the project aims to improve access to nutritious foods and help farmers earn steadier incomes.

AIM-N will also help farmers improve production quality and business skills and strengthen connections between small-scale producers and buyers. These partnerships aim to help farmers meet market demands and secure better prices for their produce.

The broader project approach also supports producer groups and local value chains through partnerships with private businesses. Investments in areas such as storage, transportation and market infrastructure help build more resilient agricultural systems that support rural livelihoods.

Supporting Resilient Rural Communities

Beyond boosting agricultural production, AIM-N aims to help rural communities build sustainable livelihoods. The initiative will provide competitive grants to women’s groups, support nutrition-focused and labor-saving projects and expand opportunities for women and youth in agriculture.

The project also uses a community-driven approach that recognizes the importance of local participation and traditional social practices. By supporting producer groups and community involvement in decision-making, AIM-N aims to reach women, youth and vulnerable households while strengthening local agricultural systems.

Agricultural investment in Vanuatu can do more than boost food production. By improving access to markets, strengthening farmer skills and supporting inclusive economic growth, AIM-N is helping create more resilient livelihoods and reduce poverty for rural families in Vanuatu.

– Lily Hoch

Lily is based in Midway, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Farmers in Nepal Are Improving Livelihoods Through Beekeeping

Farmers in NepalNepal, a landlocked South Asian country in the Himalayas with a population of 29.6 million, has a long history of farming. However, many agricultural families face economic challenges because farm income is often not enough to comfortably provide for themselves and their families. Beekeeping could help address this issue by providing families with an additional source of income. By selling honey, farmers can earn extra money, while bees also benefit agriculture by pollinating plants.

Nepal has a poverty rate of more than 20%. Several factors contribute to these poverty levels, including limited trade opportunities due to the country’s mountainous landscape. Food insecurity is one of the challenges Nepalese citizens face. Traditional farming methods in Nepal may not always provide enough revenue or resources for families throughout the year. Income from honey production may help some households afford food and manage financial challenges better.

The Importance and History of Beekeeping

Farmers in Nepal have traditionally practiced beekeeping as part of their farming culture. Bees are important for agriculture as they help maintain biodiversity, increase crop yields and support food security. Beekeeping in Nepal benefits from the country’s climate, landscape, flowers and native bee species. Farmers face many challenges, including limited knowledge about how to sustain healthy beehives, pests and diseases that can affect their bees and competition from cheaper honey imports such as those from China.

How Modern Training Can Improve Beekeeping Practices

In traditional beekeeping practices, farmers would keep their bee colonies in log wall hives. However, this system is ineffective as beekeepers need to check on the bees to make sure they are all healthy and to collect honey. But with the old traditional hives, this was hard to do without injuring the honeycomb or killing a few bees in the process. This created a need for modern techniques and equipment to make beekeeping more efficient.

One program that is working to help modernize the practice is the Dzi Foundation. The nonprofit works with farming communities in Nepal to build lasting change and give farmers the tools needed to help their farms and communities prosper. The Foundation offers a five-day training program on modern beekeeping practices that participants can implement on their own farms. With more modern hive designs, beekeepers can keep better track of their bees without harming them, manage multiple hives and increase honey production. Most hives usually produce about 8 to 10 kilograms of honey per year, depending on the bee species, and the honey sells for 1,500 Nepali rupees (NPR) per kilogram. The foundation has helped about 61,000 people since its establishment in 1998 through its various programs, including beekeeping.

Programs Supporting Beekeeping Communities

Sharing Seeds, a nonprofit based in Pokhara, Gandaki Province, Nepal, is another organization doing its part. They organize the project “Empower Nepal’s Organic Coffee and Beekeeping.” Beekeeping projects can provide training and opportunities for rural families, women and young people. Many youths leave the country to find work elsewhere, as there are not many opportunities. However, the work they find abroad could be dangerous and low-paying. Every year, around 650,000 Nepali youths travel to foreign countries for work, but this initiative creates opportunities for them to stay in Nepal and provide for their families.

This initiative gives women, young people and small farmers the necessary skills to help them feel confident in their beekeeping and coffee farming abilities to bring back to their farms. Their goal in the next three years is to get 200 farmers involved in coffee farming and improve their beekeeping skills. They have already helped more than 100 farmers through their program in both coffee and beekeeping.

The Nepal Pollination Project (NPP), Upscaling Pollination to Enhance Biodiversity and Human Welfare in Nepal, is a four-year project in collaboration with the United Kingdom (U.K.) government’s Darwin Initiative. Its goal is to improve pollination, sustain biodiversity and protect human well-being. The project aims to strengthen local communities through improved pollination, biodiversity protection and farmer training. Part of the initiative includes a four-day training course to teach the basics of beekeeping. In the training sessions, farmers learn about bee behavior, hive management, swarm control and disease prevention. Since the program launched in 2025, organizers have already completed four training sessions. By the end of 2026, their mission is to train 175 farmers. The project has already served more than 110 farmers.

Beekeeping is an important part of Nepal’s farming communities and history. Through modern training and improved practices, farmers in Nepal can strengthen their beekeeping skills and create new economic opportunities for rural communities. Honey production may help some families manage financial challenges and improve their access to resources in rural communities.

– Sarina Nadelson

Sarina is based in New Haven, CT, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Coffee Cooperatives Reduce Poverty in Rwanda

Reduce Poverty in RwandaCoffee plays an important role in Rwanda’s economy and the livelihoods of rural families. The World Bank reports that 38.6% of Rwanda’s population lived below the international poverty line for lower-middle-income countries in 2023. Agriculture remains the country’s largest employer, making stable sources of farm income essential for reducing poverty. Coffee cooperatives in Rwanda are helping address this challenge by improving farmers’ incomes through training, stronger market access and higher-quality production.

Coffee is one of Rwanda’s most valuable agricultural exports and a major source of income for rural households. The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) estimates that approximately 400,000 smallholder farming families depend on coffee for their livelihoods. Beyond generating export revenue, the coffee sector supports thousands of jobs in farming, processing, transportation and trade while strengthening rural economies.

How Cooperatives Support Farmers

Coffee cooperatives help smallholder farmers improve both the quality and value of their harvests. Many cooperatives provide agricultural training, access to improved seedlings and assistance with processing coffee beans to meet international quality standards. They also allow farmers to combine production, giving them greater bargaining power when selling to buyers in specialty coffee markets.

By working together, cooperative members can access opportunities that often remain out of reach for individual farmers. Fulgence Sebazungu, a coffee farmer in Ngororero District and chair of the Rwanda Coffee Cooperatives Federation, saw his own production rise from 4.8 metric tons in 2024 to about six metric tons in 2025, harvested from 1.2 hectares. He attributed the improvement to favorable weather, improved farming practices and better prices, along with recent policy changes that removed zoning restrictions limiting where farmers could sell their coffee. This collaborative approach helps increase household incomes while creating more stable sources of employment throughout rural communities.

Economic Opportunities Reduce Poverty in Rwanda

Rwanda’s investment in its coffee sector has produced measurable results. According to NAEB, Rwanda exported nearly 23,860 metric tons of green coffee in 2025, generating a record $148.6 million in export revenue, a 65% increase over the previous year. Farmers also benefited from higher earnings, receiving an average of RWF 900 per kilogram of coffee cherries, well above the government’s minimum farm-gate price of RWF 600 per kilogram.

Growing export revenues create opportunities that extend beyond coffee farms. Higher incomes allow many families to invest in education, health care and improved housing while supporting local businesses that depend on agricultural activity.

Looking Ahead

Coffee cooperatives continue to demonstrate how agriculture can reduce poverty in Rwanda. By helping farmers improve quality, reach international markets and earn better prices, these organizations strengthen both household incomes and Rwanda’s rural economy. As Rwanda continues investing in sustainable agriculture and cooperative development, its coffee sector provides an example of how smallholder farmers can build more resilient communities while creating lasting economic opportunities.

– Violette Bardouil

Violette is based in Paris, France and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How China Helps Alleviate Poverty in the DRC

Poverty in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the biggest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with access to incredible natural resources, such as minerals like cobalt and copper, and significant arable land. Despite this, most of the country has not benefited from this wealth. It is among the five poorest countries in the world. An estimated 69% of the country is considered under the poverty line, according to a national survey by the National Institute of Statistics, while the country’s inequality index is in line with the sub-Saharan African average at 38.1.

International Solutions to Poverty in the DRC

Developed countries have tried to help those suffering the most. One of them, in recent years, has been China, which has offered several forms of assistance aimed at reducing poverty in the DRC, including through agriculture. On Dec. 19, 2024, China and the DRC launched their first training session on agricultural technical cooperation in the capital city of Kinshasa. The goal of this partnership was to enable the DRC to leverage its agricultural resources, achieve self-sufficiency in food production and, in doing so, reduce poverty overall. The training lasted one month and involved more than 40 Congolese participants.

With similar goals in mind, in 2016, China, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization, signed an agreement with the DRC that lasted two years and was worth $1.5 million, intending to increase nutrition and food security in the nation. The project ran from 2017 to 2019 and contributed to measurable change. Technical experts provided farmers with assistance aimed at growing agricultural production. Over the two years, the productivity and profitability of more than 2,200 households improved. Vegetable and cereal consumption needs were met, unlike before; net income improved, and farmers acquired new agricultural technologies.

To help with crop production, experts demonstrated various techniques to local farmers and showed them how to detect and keep pests away. One outcome of this was that rice yield saw increases of 133% to 466%. Similar results occurred in horticulture, with increases in cabbage, pepper, onion and tomato production. Technicians provided assistance on seedbed construction, seeding techniques, soil loosening and land preparation.

Ebola Outbreak Response

At the beginning of May 2026, an Ebola outbreak affected the DRC. The disease spread fast, and according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there have been more than 800 related deaths.

Several countries responded with aid. Although the United States (U.S.) sent significant financial aid and medical experts, U.S. officials said the response was smaller in scale than in past outbreaks following cuts to USAID and the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization. In June 2026, China sent anti-epidemic medical experts to Kinshasa for a three-month mission in support of the DRC’s response to the outbreak, according to China’s National Health Commission. Two teams have been dispatched so far, including 10 experts specializing in laboratory testing, epidemiology and clinical treatment, working alongside local government.

In July 2026, China contributed a further $2.5 million in emergency funding to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), much of it directed toward the DRC, bringing its total contribution to $4.5 million. The funding is intended to support surveillance, laboratory services, logistics, frontline response operations and community engagement. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya praised China’s support, according to Chinese state broadcaster CGTN, calling the countries reliable partners.

A More Complicated Picture on Mining

China’s broader economic relationship with the DRC is less straightforward. In March 2026, Kinshasa signed a new agreement with China to deepen cooperation in its mining sector, including provisions for data sharing, investment protection and local processing. Chinese state-owned companies already control a majority of DRC’s largest cobalt mines, and Beijing remains the country’s largest bilateral creditor.

That relationship has drawn scrutiny. The DRC has reviewed earlier Chinese mining agreements amid allegations that promised infrastructure went unbuilt and that some Chinese-run operations underreported the cobalt they extracted; a Congolese court stripped one major Chinese mining company of control over one of the country’s largest cobalt mines following a dispute over royalty payments. The DRC has also signed competing minerals agreements with the United States in recent months, and Congolese officials have said they do not intend to align exclusively with either country.

Conclusion

China has become a significant source of aid and expertise for the DRC, from agricultural training to Ebola response funding, and officials on both sides describe the relationship in positive terms. At the same time, the scale of China’s economic role in the country, particularly in mining, remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny in the DRC. Both dynamics illustrate how a single country’s involvement in addressing poverty can be, at once, a source of tangible support and a matter of continued debate.

– Oisín Downes

Oisín is based in Galway, Ireland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From Nigeria to Senegal: West Africa Agribusiness Opportunities

West Africa agribusiness opportunitiesWest Africa agribusiness opportunities are attracting attention from investors, development organizations and food-sector professionals. Across countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, agribusiness is becoming more than farming. It now includes food processing, branded packaged foods, sustainable packaging, cold-chain logistics and local supply chains. These areas matter because they can create jobs, improve food security and support poverty reduction.

The Role of Agribusiness in Economic Growth

The World Bank states that farming and agribusiness do more than feed people; they can support economic growth, reduce poverty and create jobs across production, processing, transport, trade and retail. This makes agribusiness important in West Africa, where agriculture remains closely linked to livelihoods and income generation.

Food insecurity also makes investment in food systems urgent. In January 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that up to 52.8 million people in West Africa and the Sahel could face acute food insecurity during the June-to-August 2026 lean season if further action is not taken. The countries most at risk included Nigeria, Ghana and others in the region.

Investment and Growth in Agribusiness

One example of investor interest is Sahel Capital, a Lagos-based investment firm focused on food and agriculture. According to How We Made It in Africa, Sahel Capital launched the Sahel Capital Agribusiness Fund II, also known as SCAF II, to invest in agribusiness companies across Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. The fund had secured $29 million toward a $75 million target and planned to make investments ranging from $3 million to $15 million.

This shows that West Africa agribusiness opportunities are not limited to primary farming. The fund focuses on companies that can scale, improve food systems and strengthen local value chains. Sahel Capital’s previous investments also show how agribusiness finance can support growth in food processing and distribution. For example, Sahel invested in L&Z Integrated Farms, a dairy and yogurt producer in Kano, Nigeria. The African Private Capital Association reported that Sahel’s investment supported the expansion of the company’s processing plant and dairy farm.

Another previous investment was Coscharis Farms, a rice-processing business in Anambra State, Nigeria. According to How We Made It in Africa, Sahel’s investment helped finance processing facilities, expand cultivation and support a business model that bought rice from thousands of small-scale farmers. This type of investment can be important because it connects larger agribusinesses with local producers.

Opportunities in Branded Packaged Foods

One area of opportunity is branded packaged foods. As urban populations grow and consumer habits change, there is rising demand for food products that are safe, convenient, recognizable and easier to distribute. Sahel Capital’s first SCAF II investment was in Delifrost Caterers, a Nigerian company involved in packaged foods and cold-chain distribution. The African Private Capital Association reported that the investment was made alongside the fund’s first close and that Delifrost operates in integrated cold-chain distribution for packaged foods.

Branded packaged foods can support poverty reduction when companies source ingredients locally and work with farmers, suppliers and distributors. Instead of only selling raw agricultural products, local businesses can add value through processing, branding, storage and packaging. This can create more jobs across the value chain.

Insights From Terence Unogwemoh Egwaogie

The Borgen Project spoke with Terence Unogwemoh Egwaogie, a Caritas volunteer based in Austria, in an email interview about food systems, agribusiness and poverty reduction. Through his volunteer work, Egwaogie supports vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness and poverty. He said this work has developed his interest in food systems, community development and poverty reduction.

Egwaogie explained that West Africa has “enormous agricultural potential” because of its fertile land, growing population and high demand for food. He said investment in agribusiness can increase food production, create employment, reduce poverty and improve food security. His comments show why agribusiness is not only a business issue but also a development issue.

Countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal are attractive for agribusiness growth because they have large agricultural markets, favorable climates and natural resources. Egwaogie also noted that some governments are introducing policies to encourage agricultural investment and improve food production. This is important because private investment often works best when supported by public policy, infrastructure and training.

Sustainable Packaging and Cold-Chain Logistics

Sustainable packaging is another important part of West Africa agribusiness opportunities. Packaging helps protect food during transport, preserve quality and extend shelf life. However, packaging can also create environmental problems if it depends heavily on non-recyclable materials. Egwaogie said sustainable packaging can reduce food waste, protect products during transportation and minimize pollution by encouraging recyclable or biodegradable materials.

Cold-chain logistics can also reduce food loss. FAO says cold chains help keep food fresher and more nutritious from farm to fork. This is especially important for perishable foods such as dairy, meat, vegetables and frozen products. In West Africa, better cold storage and transport can help food businesses reach more consumers while reducing spoilage.

Support for Smallholder Farmers

Agribusiness investment can also support smallholder farmers. Egwaogie explained that investment can provide farmers with improved seeds, equipment, affordable loans, organic fertilizers, training, storage facilities and better transportation. These forms of support can increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes.

However, agribusinesses in West Africa still face serious challenges. Egwaogie identified limited mechanized farming, inadequate storage and processing facilities, poor road infrastructure, limited access to finance, climate change and insufficient agricultural education as major barriers. These challenges show why investment alone is not enough. Agribusiness growth also requires infrastructure, skills development and better access to finance.

The World Bank’s recent work in Nigeria shows the importance of strengthening agricultural value chains. In March 2026, the World Bank approved a $500 million credit for Nigeria’s Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth Project, which aims to increase smallholder farmer productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, create jobs and improve food and nutrition security.

Inclusive Growth for Poverty Reduction

For agribusiness growth to reduce poverty, it must be inclusive. Egwaogie said agribusiness can create jobs and income-generating opportunities across the agricultural value chain, especially for young people, women and rural communities. This is important because poverty reduction depends not only on business growth but also on who benefits from that growth.

West Africa agribusiness opportunities in branded foods, sustainable packaging and food processing have the potential to support food security and economic development. Investment can help businesses scale, improve supply chains and create employment. However, the greatest impact will come when agribusinesses work with smallholder farmers, support local suppliers, reduce food waste and create opportunities for communities most affected by poverty.

Agribusiness alone cannot end poverty in West Africa, but it can form part of a wider solution. When investment is linked to local sourcing, sustainable packaging, cold-chain logistics, training and fair access to markets, the region’s food sector can become a stronger driver of poverty reduction.

– Josephine Dokpesi

Josephine is based in Luton, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Biofortified Beans in Rwanda Are Fighting Hidden Hunger

Biofortified beans in RwandaWhile many people in Rwanda consume enough food each day, millions still suffer from “hidden hunger,” a lack of essential vitamins and minerals despite getting enough calories. Although Rwanda has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past two decades, about 30% of the population still lives below the national poverty line, and chronic malnutrition remains a major challenge, specifically in rural communities. Limited access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods means many low-income families rely on staple crops that provide calories but lack essential micronutrients.

One of the most common nutrient deficiencies is iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, fatigue, impaired cognitive development and reduced productivity. To address this issue, researchers, government agencies and international organizations have introduced biofortified beans in Rwanda, a nutrition-focused agricultural innovation that is helping improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

What Are Biofortified Beans?

Biofortification is the practice of boosting crops’ nutritional content through traditional plant breeding. Biofortified crops are created by choosing and developing plants that naturally contain increased quantities of nutrients, in contrast to genetically engineered crops. Scientists developed iron-rich bean varieties that contain approximately 40% to 60% more iron than conventional beans while maintaining the taste and cooking qualities consumers prefer.

As beans are already one of Rwanda’s most widely consumed staple foods, they are a good candidate for biofortification. Improving the nutritional value of a food that people already eat regularly allows families to increase their iron intake without changing their diets. When consumed consistently, iron-biofortified beans can provide up to 80% of the daily iron requirements for women and children, making them one of the most effective food-based approaches to reducing iron deficiency, according to HarvestPlus. Biofortification provides a workable solution to lower iron deficiency without necessitating significant dietary adjustments by increasing the nutritional content of a frequently consumed item.

Why Iron Deficiency Matters in Rwanda

One of the main causes of anemia in the world is iron deficiency, which has serious health impacts. In Rwanda, anemia remains a widespread public health concern, affecting about 37% of children under 5 and 20% of women of reproductive age, according to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey. In addition to promoting healthy pregnancies and child development, these advancements can help people perform better at work and in school.

Regular consumption of iron-rich beans has been shown to improve iron status, memory and attention among women of reproductive age. Studies supported by HarvestPlus also found that women who regularly consumed iron beans experienced significant improvements in iron status and cognitive performance, demonstrating measurable health benefits beyond improved nutrition.

Increasing the iron content of beans, which are already widely consumed across Rwanda, offers an affordable approach that benefits both rural and urban populations. Families can obtain additional nutrients from crops they already grow and eat instead of relying solely on supplements or commercially fortified foods.

Expanding Access Through Partnerships

The Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), HarvestPlus and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) collaborated to develop and distribute iron-rich bean varieties across Rwanda.

According to HarvestPlus, partners have concentrated on bolstering seed systems, educating farmers and establishing dependable markets for iron beans. By 2018, more than 420,000 smallholder farming households were growing iron beans, while approximately 1.8 million people consumed them regularly. The partnership also trained more than 1,000 agricultural extension workers and 5,000 lead farmers to support cultivation and community awareness.

These collaborations have made it possible for farmers to not only obtain better seeds but also understand the financial and nutritional value of cultivating the crop. Although expanding access to improved seeds and educating farmers requires continued investment, Rwanda’s success demonstrates that biofortification can be effectively scaled through strong partnerships and government support.

Benefits for Farmers and Families

The benefits of biofortified beans in Rwanda go beyond their nutritional value. In addition to improving nutrition, farmers have widely adopted iron-rich bean varieties because they often produce higher yields than conventional beans. According to HarvestPlus, some iron bean varieties increase yields by 17% to 22%, giving agricultural households more chances to make money.

Additionally, the beans have qualities that farmers find appealing, such as resistance to disease, drought tolerance and difficult growing circumstances. Families may increase food security and make extra money from surplus sales when productivity is higher.

Improved nutrition can also help children do better in school and lower health-related costs. These combined advantages show how agricultural innovation may enhance public health and reduce poverty.

A Solution for the Future

The ongoing expansion of these beans serves as an example of how straightforward agricultural fixes may assist in resolving difficult development issues. Iron-rich beans are now a viable tool for battling hidden hunger due to strong government funding, continuous research and collaborations with organizations like HarvestPlus and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

As more countries search for affordable and sustainable ways to combat malnutrition, Rwanda’s success demonstrates that improving the nutritional qualities of staple crops can have lasting impacts on both public health and economic development. By combining scientific innovation with strong partnerships and farmer participation, biofortified beans in Rwanda are helping thousands of Rwandan families build healthier and more secure futures.

– Avery Hoadley

Avery is based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Cassava Farming in Nigeria: A Billion-Dollar Export Industry

Vendor handling cassava at a traditional Nigerian market, highlighting cassava farming in Nigeria. Cassava farming in Nigeria is no longer just a subsistence story. It is becoming one of the most electrifying agricultural transformations on the continent, and the world is starting to notice.

Nigeria produces more cassava than any other country on earth, accounting for roughly 21% of global output, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). For decades, that distinction meant little beyond feeding local communities. Now, driven by surging global demand, government investment and a surprising new wave of cultural attention, cassava farming in Nigeria is edging toward billion-dollar export territory, taking millions of people out of poverty with it.

A Root With Radical Potential

Cassava is drought-resistant, grows in poor soils and can feed millions in climate-uncertain conditions, qualities that have made it a staple across sub-Saharan Africa for generations. What has changed is who wants it, and why. Cassava has long been a poverty survival crop. Now it is becoming a poverty elimination crop.

Global food manufacturers are increasingly sourcing cassava starch and flour as a gluten-free wheat alternative. The global cassava starch market was valued at approximately $4.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to exceed $7 billion by 2030, according to market research firm Grand View Research. Nigeria, as the world’s largest producer, sits at the center of that growth curve.

According to the World Bank, nearly 40% of Nigeria’s population lives below the national poverty line, and the majority of those households depend on agriculture for survival. Cassava, as the country’s most widely grown crop, sits at the center of any realistic poverty-reduction conversation.

From Farm to Factory

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has identified cassava as a priority non-oil export commodity, and with good reason. In 2021, Nigeria exported cassava products worth hundreds of millions of dollars, a figure the government is actively working to scale. The National Agricultural Growth Scheme, launched in 2022, earmarked significant funding specifically to expand cassava processing capacity and connect smallholder farmers to export markets.

Processing is the key variable. Raw cassava degrades quickly, but processed derivatives, starch, flour, ethanol and animal feed travel well and command strong prices. Companies like Psaltry International, based in Oyo State, have built industrial processing facilities that bridge the gap between rural farmers and international buyers. Psaltry reported supplying cassava starch to multinational food companies including Nestlé and Procter & Gamble, according to reporting by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which provided the company with financing to expand.

The Influencer Effect: When Cassava Goes Viral

Perhaps the most unexpected chapter in this story is cultural. Cassava-based foods, fufu, tapioca pearls, cassava fries and gluten-free cassava tortillas have become a genuine trend in wellness and food communities across North America and Europe. Food content creators on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have driven millions of views on cassava flour recipes, with the grain-free baking community in particular embracing it as a pantry staple.

This is not trivial. When a food becomes a trend in wealthy consumer markets, demand signals travel fast. Brands like Otto’s Naturals, which sells cassava flour directly to consumers, have reported rapid growth in the U.S. market. That demand loop, viral content driving retail sales driving commodity demand, creates real downstream opportunity for cassava farming in Nigeria and the farmers at its source.

What Farmers Are Actually Earning

Poverty reduction, in practical terms, often comes down to a single crop yielding twice what it did last season. The critical question is whether export growth reaches smallholders, who represent the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s cassava producers. The evidence is cautiously encouraging.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), headquartered in Ibadan, Nigeria, has worked for decades to develop higher-yield cassava varieties and connect farmers to processing networks. Its TGx and TME series of improved varieties have helped farmers increase yields from roughly eight metric tons per hectare to more than 25 metric tons under optimal conditions, a transformation that can triple a household’s income.

Organizations like the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) have also stepped in with training programs that teach post-harvest handling, reducing the crop losses that historically eroded farmer earnings before cassava ever reached a processor.

The Road to a Billion Dollars

For cassava farming in Nigeria to fully realize its export potential, infrastructure remains the central challenge. Cold chain logistics, rural road access and reliable electricity for processing facilities are gaps that both government and private investors are beginning to close. The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation program has committed funding specifically to address these bottlenecks across the continent, with Nigeria among the priority beneficiaries.

What was once dismissed as a poor person’s crop is becoming a global commodity, a wellness trend and an economic lifeline, all at once. Cassava farming in Nigeria is proof that the most transformative agricultural stories do not always begin in Silicon Valley. Sometimes they begin in the soil of Oyo State. What was once dismissed as a poor person’s crop is becoming a global commodity, a wellness trend and the most credible poverty-reduction tool in Nigeria’s agricultural arsenal.

– Nay Mohamad

Nay is based in Milan, Italy and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels