AGRA Faces Criticism Over Ineffective Programmes Ahead of AFS Forum in Senegal

NAIROBI, Kenya - May 14, 2025 - PRLog -- The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is under mounting pressure as critics accuse the organization of running ineffective programmes across the continent. Despite ambitious goals to boost African agriculture, AGRA has reportedly fallen short of delivering tangible results, raising concerns about the future of its initiatives. These serious concerns follow other criticisms leveled against AGRA in a 2022 donor-commissioned evaluation that highlighted AGRA's failure to meet its headline goals, and those presented by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), among others.

With the upcoming African Green Revolution Forum (AFS) scheduled to take place in Senegal, hopes for a productive dialogue are dimming. Insider sources reveal that Amath Pathe Sene, the forum's key organizer, has failed to adequately engage key stakeholders and prepare the event in a timely manner. This lack of preparation has sparked fears that the forum will not meet expectations, potentially undermining efforts to mobilize support for African agricultural development.

Critics argue that AGRA must urgently recalibrate its strategy. There is a growing call for the organization and its donors, including the Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, to deepen engagement with the private sector, which many see as a critical driver of sustainable agricultural investment. Furthermore, stakeholders emphasize the need for AGRA to demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes from its programmes to justify continued funding and support. This has become even more urgent in light of the termination of USAID partnerships. Several have stated that, given the Rockefeller Foundation's significant role in AGRA's establishment and funding, its President, Dr. Rajiv Shah, is in a position to exert considerable influence regarding achievement of measurable results including private sector engagement. https://afsafrica.org

One AGRA partner made this off the record comment, citing the need to preserve the formal relationship: "The new AGRA president, Dr. Alice Ruhweza, faces immense pressure to demonstrably shift the organization's trajectory. A critical evaluation of past strategies is essential, particularly considering the failed promise of the AGRA deal room to catalyze significant and beneficial private sector investment for smallholder farmers. Dr. Ruhweza must champion a revised approach to strategically engage the private sector and catalyze increased, responsible investments in agriculture that demonstrably and directly benefit smallholder farmers. Ultimately, Dr. Ruhweza must restore trust and ensure that AGRA's efforts translate into tangible improvements in their livelihoods."

"The time for vague promises is over," said a prominent African agricultural expert. "AGRA must produce concrete results, foster partnerships with private enterprises, and significantly increase investment in African agriculture."

As the AFS forum approaches, all eyes will be on AGRA and its leadership to show that they can deliver on their commitments and help transform African agriculture into a thriving, resilient sector.