Tuesday, 14th May 2024 marked a critical milestone for Strathmore University with the official launch of the Strathmore Agri-Food and Innovation Center (SAFIC). At its core, SAFIC is committed to co-designing evidence-based interventions that foster sustainable agricultural growth and innovation. This commitment extends to both the national government, county government, private sector and development partners.

 Giving the keynote address at the launch event, Hon. Dr. Kanyuithia Mutunga, Chairperson of the Agricultural Committee at the National Assembly noted the crucial role that data and innovation play in agriculture. “Enhancing market linkages in agriculture & livestock is vital for Africa’s growth. Innovation & data collection are key to boosting production,” Dr. Kanyuithia noted.

Obai Khalifa, the Deputy Director, Agricultural Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation further emphasized the importance of partnership and evidence-based support and its critical role in driving investment and growth. “We are excited to see the involvement of government, private sector & academia in driving transformation in agriculture in Africa,” Obai noted.

On the other hand, Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor at Strathmore University opined the University’s commitment to transforming the continent for the better. “We have the potential to feed ourselves. Are we maximizing our opportunities to improve our nation and our continent? Strathmore University is committed to giving back & developing communities locally and globally.

The launch event of SAFIC created a platform to co-develop solutions, exchange best practices, and chart a path towards sustainable inclusive agricultural transformation. By showcasing successful data-driven initiatives and outlining SAFIC’s role in facilitating collaborative action, this event sets the stage for catalytic private sector-led growth, innovation, and the promotion of resilient food systems in Africa.

Central to SAFIC’s mission is the establishment of a Community of Practice (COP) on Agri Markets Data for Investment & Growth (AMDIG). This collaborative platform will serve as a platform that facilitates knowledge sharing on data insights. Additionally, AMDIG not only aims to facilitate the mapping of investments and assessments at various levels but also to foster partnerships among stakeholders in government, private sector, producers, research institutions and development partners.

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in economic development, supporting livelihoods and ensuring food security and nutrition for millions of people in Africa. However, addressing data gaps to inform decision making for the multiple stakeholders within the agri-business landscape remains a key challenge.

Unlocking agriculture’s full potential requires innovative, data-driven solutions and increased private sector involvement. Through its data-driven approach and collaborative efforts, SAFIC is well-positioned to drive significant advancements in the agricultural sector. By addressing critical challenges and leveraging the power of data, SAFIC aims to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture in Africa.

Learn more about SAFIC here

Article by Juliet Hinga

This article first appeared on the Strathmore Business School website. https://sbs.strathmore.edu/strathmore-agri-food-and-innovation-center-safic-data-driven-insights-to-harness-food-systems-transformation-in-africa/

Receive the latest news in your email
Related articles