Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa

Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) was founded in 2006 on the belief that investing in agriculture is the surest path to reducing poverty and hunger in Africa. It works across the continent to help millions of smallholder farmers—who make up 70 per cent of Africa’s population—boost their farm productivity and incomes.

AGRA has supported more than 400 projects, including efforts to develop and deliver better seeds, increase farm yields, improve soil fertility, upgrade storage facilities, improve market information systems, strengthen farmers’ associations, expand access to credit for farmers and small suppliers, and advocate for national policies that benefit smallholder farmers.

AGRA aims to play a central role in transforming the agricultural sector in Africa and its food system—in a way that is tailored to conditions in Africa and places a strong emphasis on safeguarding the environment. To that end, AGRA is building an alliance of partners—including farmers and their organizations, governments, agricultural research organizations, the private sector, local nongovernmental organizations, and civil society—to significantly and sustainably improve the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers, many of whom are women.

AGRA was founded through a partnership between the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It has since expanded its donor base to include governments as well as other international organizations. The Alliance is an independent organization based in Africa and led by Africans. Its board of directors includes influential African political and business leaders as well as scientists and international experts in agriculture and economic development. A team of mostly African professionals with expertise in African agricultural development issues designs and carries out AGRA’s programs.