In anticipation of the official opening of the Africa Food Systems Forum, a panel discussion titled Regenerative Revolution: Building Sustainable Solutions for Smallholder Farmers took place, bringing together industry leaders from Bayer, Opportunity International, and the International Potato Center. The event focused on new regenerative interventions across the agricultural value chain.
“One of the key challenges in transitioning to regenerative agriculture is demonstrating its value to smallholder farmers and showing how these practices can enhance both productivity and economic sustainability,” stated Mildred Nadah Pita, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability Africa at Bayer. She emphasized the need for knowledge transfer, access to finance, inputs, and policies that support regenerative agriculture as critical goals for both industry partners and government agencies.
Samuel Nsengiymva, a young Rwandan farmer associated with AgriResearch Unguka, highlighted the importance of training and educating smallholder farmers in regenerative agriculture, stressing that partnerships and platforms are essential for knowledge sharing.
The panelists and audience discussed the importance of further collaboration and partnerships within the agricultural value chain to help smallholder farmers maximize the benefits of regenerative agricultural practices.
Jens Hartmann, Head of Bayer Crop Science EMEA, added, “Forging stronger partnerships is key to unlocking the potential of regenerative agriculture for smallholders. Producing more while restoring more is at the heart of regenerative agriculture, but it requires a concerted effort to support farmers already impacted by climate change.”
Why regenerative agriculture matters
Smallholder farmers produce a third of the global food supply, with figures in some African countries reaching between 70%- 80%. These farming communities face significant risks from poverty, climate change, and hunger. However, regenerative and adaptive agricultural practices are increasingly seen as a way to combat these challenges. Jens Hartmann noted, “The acceptance and understanding of regenerative agriculture by smallholder farmers is crucial to Bayer’s mission of achieving Health for All, Hunger for None.”
Audience feedback and future direction
An audience survey during the event revealed that farmers are eager for more knowledge on regenerative agriculture and its benefits, along with improved access to financing and markets. Panelists stressed the need to enhance understanding and adoption of regenerative agricultural practices that maintain land productivity, restore natural resources, and mitigate climate change.
“We need to align efforts across research, knowledge transfer, and farmer enablement. African farmers are already implementing elements of regenerative agriculture that protect soil health, biodiversity, and water sources. These initiatives must be recognized, supported, and encouraged through agricultural policies,” concluded Mildred Nadah Pita.
