Challenges facing development within the agri-food sector of Sub-Saharan Africa

This project was undertaken to identify the challenges facing development within the agri-food sector of Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Malawi. On-site interviews were conducted to identify challenges faced by commodity associations and co-operatives, as well as small-scale food and beverage processors during a three-week assignment in Malawi. Actual processing facilities were examined, as were the equipment used and procedures followed. Results of the project were communicated to leaders from international aid organizations, government departments, industry, and academia during a two-day workshop. Additional information was provided through break-out sessions and group discussions within the workshop framework. Of more than forty individual challenges identified, the most serious involved financial constraints. In nations heavily reliant on the use of chemical fertilizers, financial assistance for such basic agricultural inputs was considered to be critical. The lack of suitable equipment coupled with insufficient supplies of high quality raw materials was a major concern. Inadequate education and training, plus poorly developed local technologies also contributed to the abundance of barriers. Food processing activities were often found to be labour-intensive and time-consuming with resultant low yields and poor economic returns. Identification of these challenges and assistance in overcoming them is essential for future capacity building, value addition, and creation of successful, sustainable businesses. (c) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of 11th International Congress on Engineering and Food (ICEF 11) Executive Committee.