AGRA and Farm Radio International have joined forces to put farmers, youth, and women at the center of Africa’s food systems transformation. Through a new strategic partnership, the two organizations will use trusted media platforms to amplify grassroots voices, ensuring that those who feed the continent play a central role in shaping agricultural policy and investment.
Speaking during the press conference, Aggie Konde, Director of Communication, External Engagement & Advocacy (CIEA) at AGRA highlighted that “no transformation is sustainable unless it is understood, embraced, and owned by the people. Media is one of the strongest catalysts for shaping policy debates, and this partnership ensures that farmers’ voices influence decisions at the highest levels.”
A Shared Vision
The partnership builds on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AGRA and Farm Radio International, with Farm Radio’s Just Communication initiative as the main platform to leverage media for storytelling. Together, the organizations will:
- Launch youth-focused media campaigns in Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, and Malawi, spotlighting stories of young farmers and agripreneurs.
- Host the “Just Communication Radio Booth” live at AFSF 2025 and other events, featuring farmer interviews, youth debates, and daily broadcasts reaching millions across Africa.
- Introduce a Food Systems Media Fellowship and the “Voices of Food System” Award to recognize excellence in agricultural storytelling and empower African journalists.
- Pilot innovative storytelling formats (radio, podcasts, blogs, social media, video) to scale evidence-based advocacy and shift narratives around farming from subsistence to entrepreneurship.
A Milestone for Africa’s Food Future
Farm Radio International Executive Director, Kevin Perkins, noted that “this partnership between AGRA and Farm Radio International’s Just Communication initiative marks an important step toward ensuring that African farmers and youth are not just beneficiaries of development but central actors in shaping the future of Africa’s food systems.”
By combining AGRA’s expertise in transforming agriculture with Farm Radio International’s proven ability to reach and engage millions through trusted media, we will amplify farmer and youth voices, foster inclusive dialogue, and accelerate solutions that are grounded in the realities of those who feed the continent. Together, we are investing in the power of communication to drive resilience, innovation, and lasting change in African agriculture.
Alice Ruhweza, President of AGRA, emphasized: “At AGRA, we believe that Africa’s farmers and young people are at the heart of building resilient and inclusive food systems. This partnership with Farm Radio International allows us to harness the power of radio and digital communication to ensure that their voices are heard, their knowledge is valued, and their innovations are shared widely.”
By elevating these voices, we not only strengthen accountability and participation but also unlock the potential of millions of Africans to shape the future of food security and agricultural transformation on the continent.
About AGRA
AGRA is an African-led alliance working to transform agriculture from a solitary struggle for survival into a business that thrives. Since 2006, AGRA has worked with governments, private sector, and development partners to catalyze agricultural transformation across the continent.
About Farm Radio International
Farm Radio International is a Canadian non-profit specializing in radio and digital communication for development. With a network of more than 1,450 radio stations in 38 African countries, Farm Radio creates interactive programs that support small-scale farmers, promote gender equality, and advance climate resilience.
About Just Communication
Just Communication is an innovative new initiative by Farm Radio, that empowers African media to drive sustainable development by fostering inclusive dialogue, enabling informed decision-making, and inspiring lasting change. The Just Communication Network pioneers new storytelling models to amplify African voices in agriculture, health, and sustainable development.
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