FAO reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible contract farming and sustainable agribusiness development in Africa at the International Conference on Contract Farming (ICCF), held in Nairobi from 12 to 16 November 2024.

Under the theme “Revitalizing African Agriculture: Time for Bold Action,” the event brought together over 500 participants, including farmers, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, technology companies, producer organizations, and experts from across Africa and beyond.

Representing FAO, Economist Lan Li delivered a presentation titled "Exploring Contract Farming: Models, Benefits, and Best Practices," highlighting key concepts, advantages, and global approaches to contract farming. 

Lan Li, Economist at FAO, delivering her presentation.
Photo credit: Anchor Bay Office

She emphasized FAO’s commitment to implementing best practices in contract farming, reflecting on a decade of progress and collaboration: "We are approaching the 10th anniversary of the UNIDROIT/FAO/IFAD Legal Guide on Contract Farming. We have collaborated with countries and partners to implement its principles and best practices. Our goal is to promote responsible contract farming and maximize its sustainable impacts."

FAO has also championed enabling regulatory and policy frameworks, facilitated market linkages, supported pilots and initiatives, and fostered innovations in contract farming. 

Strengthening partnerships and knowledge exchange

The conference served as a dynamic platform for participants to exchange innovative ideas and collaborate on strategies to enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of contract farming initiatives. Additionally, it provided a strategic opportunity to explore contract farming as a viable model to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to the continent and contribute to sustainable development.

As the first conference of its kind dedicated solely to advancing contract farming in Africa, the two-day event featured panel discussions on policy frameworks, sustainability, financing, and innovations in contract farming. Stakeholder consultations brought together representatives from the public and private sectors to address challenges and opportunities in agribusiness and value chain development.

Panel disccussion
Photo credit: Anchor Bay Office

FAO also held bilateral meetings with Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) to explore synergies in contract farming, digital innovations, and sustainable agrifood value chain development.

Discussions focused on strengthening capacities and enabling environment for contract farming and explored synergies with FAO’s Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies (MAFAP) program and the Hand-in-Hand initiative. Other priorities included facilitating investment linkages between agribusinesses, smallholder farmers, and financial institutions, as well as scaling digital innovations through global knowledge-sharing with technology partners.   

Building on the momentum and looking ahead, FAO remains committed to establishing favourable conditions for responsible contract farming, supporting capacity development, ensuring fair partnerships between farmers and agribusinesses while fostering sustainable food systems and economic growth.