India-Africa Partnership in Agriculture and Food Security: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Amid escalating challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and the urgent need for agricultural transformation, the India-Africa partnership in agriculture and food security has gained critical importance. This collaboration aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 1 (No Poverty), reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development.

Challenges Facing African Agriculture

Agriculture remains the backbone of industrialisation and poverty alleviation in Africa but is highly vulnerable due to climate risks, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to finance and technology. These challenges directly impact the achievement of SDG 2 and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

1. Climate Vulnerability: Between 1970 and 2020, extreme weather events such as droughts, erratic rainfall, heat waves, and storms have severely affected agricultural productivity, with much of Africa’s agriculture dependent on rainfall rather than irrigation.
2. Infrastructure and Access: Farmers often lack modern infrastructure, reliable market data, financial services, and agricultural extension support, undermining the entire agricultural value chain.
3. Economic Paradox: Although agriculture employs nearly 65% of Africa’s workforce, its contribution to GDP remains low (~15%), and the continent heavily depends on food imports, which have surged since 2000.

Impact of External Shocks on Food Security

Africa’s dependence on food imports makes it vulnerable to global disruptions, threatening SDG 2 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted food supply chains, causing food prices in Sub-Saharan Africa to surge by nearly 24% between 2020 and 2022 (IMF data).
• Post-harvest losses exceeding 30% and the need for climate-smart agricultural practices highlight the urgency for sustainable interventions.

Flagship Initiatives for Agricultural Development

The African Union (AU) and African Development Bank (AfDB) have launched key initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture and food security, supporting SDG 2, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 15 (Life on Land):

• Feed Africa Initiative: Aims to transform agriculture into a business by adding value to commodities, targeting to lift 320 million people out of hunger and unlocking agribusiness potential exceeding $100 billion.
• Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP): Under Agenda 2063, focuses on hunger elimination, poverty reduction, sustainable land and water management, improved market access, and agricultural research and technology transfer.

India’s Strategic Role in Africa’s Agricultural Transformation

India has emerged as a strategic partner in Africa’s agricultural development, contributing to multiple SDGs through bilateral cooperation and private sector engagement.

Government-to-Government Cooperation

• Provision of soft loans, training programs, and technology assistance to improve farming practices, irrigation, soil quality, and mechanisation.
• Examples include:
• Angola: $23 million Line of Credit (LoC) for tractors, farm machinery, and a Food Processing Business Incubation Centre.
• Zimbabwe: Support for a Rural Technology Park, Food Testing Laboratory, and Vocational Training Centre.
• Lesotho: $5 million LoC for agricultural equipment.
• Malawi: $1 million for a Business Incubation Centre offering training in crop processing and sustainable practices.

India’s Private Sector Contributions

• Investment in food processing infrastructure and agribusiness, fostering SDG 8 and SDG 9.
• Key examples:
• Surface Wilmar: $1.5 million investment in edible oil production in Zimbabwe, becoming Southern Africa’s largest cooking oil manufacturer.
• Export Trading Group (ETG): Operating across multiple African countries, supported by a $1.4 million AfDB grant to empower 600 women-led businesses.
• ZimGold: $40 million investment in edible oil and margarine production, employing over 500 people.
• Varun Beverages and Raha Cooking Oil: Significant investments in bottling and processing plants.

Humanitarian Assistance and Women Empowerment

India’s engagement extends to humanitarian aid and capacity building, supporting SDG 1, SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):

• Trilateral cooperation with agencies such as USAID, UK’s DFID, and FAO to enhance food security and irrigation planning.
• Food aid during droughts, including rice donations to Zimbabwe and Malawi, and agricultural equipment donations to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Grassroots initiatives by NGOs like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) promote women’s empowerment through knowledge exchange and resilience-building in rural communities.

Opportunities for Sustainable Growth and Collaboration

The partnership between India and Africa presents significant opportunities to address shared challenges and achieve multiple SDGs:

• Africa’s food market is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, with food demand expected to double by 2050, creating opportunities for sustainable investments in mechanisation, irrigation, food processing, nutrient management, and agricultural R&D.
• India’s “3A” framework (Affordable, Appropriate, and Adaptable technologies) offers scalable solutions tailored to African contexts, promoting SDG 9 and SDG 13.
• Strengthening bilateral and trilateral partnerships, expanding private sector involvement, and enhancing knowledge-sharing platforms are critical to building resilient, sustainable agri-food systems.

Conclusion

The India-Africa agricultural partnership is a vital driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger eradication, poverty reduction, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth. By leveraging India’s agricultural expertise and Africa’s vast natural and human resources, this collaboration can become a cornerstone for feeding the future, reducing hunger, and advancing prosperity across both continents.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses poverty alleviation through agricultural transformation and employment generation in Africa.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Central to the article is food security, hunger elimination, and improving agricultural productivity.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality – Women empowerment initiatives, such as SEWA’s women-to-women programs and support for women-led businesses, are highlighted.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article emphasizes creating sustainable employment opportunities and fostering inclusive economic growth through agriculture.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Focus on improving agricultural infrastructure, technology transfer, and mechanization.
6. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Addressing post-harvest losses and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
7. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights climate change impacts on agriculture and the need for climate-smart agricultural practices.
8. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The India-Africa partnership, including trilateral cooperation with international agencies, exemplifies global partnerships.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified in the Article

1. SDG 1 (No Poverty)
   • Target 1.2: Reduce poverty by supporting agricultural transformation and creating sustainable employment.
2. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.3: Double agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
3. SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full participation and equal opportunities in economic life, including agriculture.
4. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and entrepreneurship.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
5. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable infrastructure to support economic development.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities in agriculture.
6. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
   • Target 12.3: Halve per capita global food waste and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.
7. SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies.
8. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Food Security and Hunger
   • Prevalence of undernourishment and number of people lifted out of hunger (e.g., AU’s “Feed Africa” initiative aims to lift 320 million people out of hunger).
   • Food import dependency and value of food imports (e.g., $50 billion to $90-$110 billion food imports in Sub-Saharan Africa).
2. Agricultural Productivity and Losses
   • Post-harvest loss percentages (noted as frequently exceeding 30%).
   • Increase in agricultural mechanization and irrigation coverage (e.g., tractors and farm machinery provided through Indian Lines of Credit).
3. Employment and Economic Growth
   • Number of jobs created in agricultural value chains (e.g., ZimGold employing over 500 people).
   • Number of women-led businesses empowered (e.g., 600 women-led businesses supported by ETG’s Women Entrepreneurship project).
4. Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
   • Adoption rates of climate-smart agricultural practices.
   • Reduction in vulnerability to climate risks such as droughts and erratic rainfall.
5. Infrastructure and Technology Transfer
   • Number and value of Lines of Credit extended for agricultural infrastructure.
   • Establishment of technology parks, food processing centers, and vocational training facilities.
6. Partnerships and Capacity Building
   • Number of trilateral cooperation agreements and joint programs (e.g., India-FAO-Lesotho tripartite agreement).
   • Volume of humanitarian aid and agricultural inputs provided.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: indianexpress.com