The factors that have been holding farmers back are similar to those that threaten other types of growth in Africa. Infrastructure and transport are in many cases quite poor, resulting in the losses of huge amounts of produce.
From Richard Attias
Improving Africa's farming sector would have multiple positive outcomes for African people.
As African economies boom and businesses are created, one of the big questions this growth raises is that of third-level education: how can Africa develop a knowledge infrastructure to rival that of the west, a sort of Harvard University in Africa?
Not only do African students deserve excellent universities, they deserve good elementary and secondary schools, too - and then, to have access to ongoing vocational and job training to ensure their skills remain as relevant as possible to African organizations.
It is my firm belief that action on the issues that matter for Africa must emerge from within Africa itself.
Inspiration, in its rich variety, must be present in any discussion about Africa. We need role models - they are essential to the advancement of our society.
For African societies, no issue looms larger than employment. Only vibrant entrepreneurship and thriving small businesses can hope to provide the millions of jobs that are needed.
Culturally, it is commonplace for African women to work.
If women are the key to Africa's future - and I believe they are - we must figure out how to take away the barriers to their participation.
When kids are young, before the age of ten, there is a critical window of opportunity when their habits and motivations can be influenced.
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