The Role of micro-businesses in African Food Security systems
Small-scale farmers produce 80% of the food produced in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia (IFAD, 2011). In Kenya, small-scale farmers are burdened by the high cost of production complicated by climate change among other complex factors.
Figure 1; small-scale farmer working conditions; The complexity of Kenyan food security systems; A case study by Patricia Kariuki Henry
Micro-businesses play a role in the distribution channel of fresh farm produce and other food products (value-added products). They offer farmers a stable market and offer the end user continuous accessibility to food products. Supporting microbusinesses is important in achieving sustainable food security systems. Africa has the potential to improve food security systems by:
1. Improving access to stable working conditions for both small-scale farmers and microbusiness owners; value addition companies and retail outlets.
2.Increasing information systems across all the players in the food security systems.
3.Opening international borders so fair trade among African countries.
4. Create a platform that increases the accessibility of donors who are interested in partnering with small-scale farmers and microbusiness owners.
Juicypad in Nigeria is helping create functional food security systems. Omolara, the CEO of Juicypad, is balancing an often impossible task; souring from small-scale farmers and offering her customers “…nutritious and affordable, affordable is very key, beverage options which help to improve the access to healthy food options...” Omolara CEO Juicypad, Nigeria.
Africa has the ability to create functional Food Security Systems, by investing in small-scale farmers and micro-businesses (value addition companies and retail). I call on policymakers to re-evaluate the current policies and make adjustments to accomodate, wholistically, the needs of small-scale farmers and value-addition companies.
listen to my podcast with Omolara, CEO Juicypadhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7D2muLCGm8EpGIyDgqMN95?si=12df394e61dc4c2a
Paricia Kariuki Henry ( Nutritionist)
Thank you for the opportunity Patricia.