From tradition to transformation: Technology at the core of Africa’s agriculture
At the 6th Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) Congress & Exhibition held in Kigali, leaders, farmers, and partners converged on a single message: Africa’s food security hinges on innovation and technology.
With over 200 delegates and 20 exhibitors showcasing innovations from high-yield seeds to digital marketplaces, the congress under the theme “Towards More Sustainable Food & Farming Systems” signaled that the future of African agriculture cannot be divorced from technology.
Opening the meeting, Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, reminded participants that farmers remain at the center of national security but can only thrive if supported with modern tools.
“Farmers are the heartbeat of food and the backbone of national security. We must invest in agri-tech to close productivity gaps and adapt to climate change,” he said.
Rwanda’s current priorities include expanding climate-smart agriculture, scaling up digital advisory services, and strengthening the Food Innovation Hub to accelerate solutions across value chains.
For EAFF President, Elizabeth Nsimadala, said that farmers are not resisting change but waiting for opportunities.
“Our farmers are feeding not just Africa, but the world. With agri-tech, they can cut losses, boost yields, and link directly to global markets,” she emphasized.
On the ground, smallholder farmers still face hurdles. Ms. Kantarama Césarie, a farmer leader from Syndicat INGABO, said many remain excluded from tools and finance that could transform their output.
“We have the potential, but practical solutions must reach grassroots farmers. Access to finance, innovation, and knowledge is still a big challenge,” she noted.
Ms. Elise Hartman, who led the delegation from the organization, said they have worked with the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) for many years because of their strong belief in the value of farmers’ organizations.
She stated: “We have partnered with EAFF for many years because we believe in the critical role of farmers’ organizations in ensuring food reaches communities across the region. This is not an easy task, yet it directly contributes to people’s well-being and to sustaining peace. We will continue to strengthen this partnership, and I am pleased to announce that in addition to the support we have provided through IFAD, we have secured an extra €26 million to further boost our collaboration.”
The Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) was established to unite farmers’ organizations across the region and represent them at the continental and global level. Today, it brings together 10 countries, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Eritrea. Its headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, where the secretariat coordinates all the federation’s activities.
Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe said Farmers are the heartbeat of food and the backbone of national security
EAFF President, Elizabeth Nsimadala
Ms. Kantarama Césarie, a farmer leader from Syndicat INGABO
Ms. Elise Hartman, who led the delegation from European Union
With over 200 delegates and 20 exhibitors showcasing innovations from high-yield seeds to digital marketplaces
Innovation is no longer optional, it’s the lifeline of Africa’s farming future
From high-yield seeds to digital markets, agri-tech is reshaping African food systems
