FAO and World Bank discuss how sustainable agriculture can power Africa’s job agenda
03/11/2025
Kigali, Rwanda
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) joined colleagues from the World Bank and the African Network of Agriculture Policy Research (ANAPRI) network to discuss how sustainable agricultural practices can support Africa’s job agenda and food systems transformation.
FAO and World Bank shared new evidence from seven countries in sub-Sarhan Africa on the effects of adopting sustainable intensification practices on family labour. The session explored how practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, soil and water conservation, and the use of organic fertilizer are linked to family labour demand, land returns, and family labour productivity.
"Understanding the relationship between intensification practices and family labour is essential to ensuring the sustainability of agri-food systems and promoting the broader development of rural areas”, said Emmanuele Zucchini, FAO economist and one of the main authors of the forthcoming paper.
Evidence for action
The discussion addressed three key questions:
Do sustainable agricultural practices require more or less family labour – and why?
Under what conditions can these practices increase returns to family labour?
What policies can help make sustainable agriculture a triple win for productivity, people and the planet?
The study shows that sustainable intensification practices may increase family labour requirements, which might not be offset by higher land returns, ultimately affecting family labour productivity.
A platform for dialogue and partnership
The ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference is an annual event that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders from Africa’s agricultural and policy sectors, along with international partners. It serves as a key platform for researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and development practitioners to engage in dialogue on pressing issues related to sustainable food systems, agricultural innovation, and policy reform across the continent. The conference promotes collaboration, showcases cutting-edge research, and highlights innovative strategies aimed at strengthening Africa’s agricultural institutions and advancing transformative, sustainable development.
Hosted this year by the Economic Policy Research Network (EPRN) of Rwanda, the 12th edition of the conference brought together policymakers, researchers and development partners under the theme Driving Africa’s Food Systems Transformation: Strategic Investments, Resilient Policies and Global Partnerships.
Discussions focused on how Africa can strengthen the resilience of its food systems while creating decent jobs, attracting investment and advancing climate action. The conference underscored the importance of partnerships and knowledge exchange to ensure that policies translate into tangible benefits for farmers and rural communities.
FAO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting countries integrating sustainability, productivity, and decent employment objectives into agricultural policies and investments.