African agricultural experts call for food sovereignty over Green Revolution model

Critics are calling for a shift in African agricultural policy, arguing that the Green Revolution model has failed to deliver on its promises of increased productivity and food security. Research suggests that the promotion of commercial seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and monocultures—specifically maize—has led to a decline in more resilient and nutritious local crops like millet.

In regions where AGRA (formerly the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) has had a significant presence, the number of undernourished people has increased by approximately 60 percent, a rate consistent with the rest of the continent. While billions of dollars have been invested in maize subsidies, yields have only grown by 40 percent over 18 years, falling short of the 100 percent improvement originally promised.

The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) advocates for food sovereignty and agroecology. The organization argues that African farmers should be treated as knowledge holders and co-creators of food systems rather than mere beneficiaries of external technology. AFSA emphasizes the need for crop diversity and the right of African nations to decide their own agricultural futures to combat hunger driven by climate change and supply chain disruptions.