Agricultural Development in Africa

Agriculture in Africa holds immense potential: over 60% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa are small-scale farmers, and 23% of the regional GDP comes from agriculture. Nevertheless, Africa’s agricultural potential remains largely untapped. Natural limitations, political shortcomings, and the slow adoption of new technologies hinder the development of agriculture and prevent progress in poverty alleviation, job creation, and meeting the growing food demands of a rapidly urbanizing population.

Private investment is crucial to unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential, yet many hurdles remain. Access to affordable finance, poor infrastructure, limited cross-sector collaboration, and insufficient political support impede progress. A recent survey by Grow Africa showed dissatisfaction with the enabling environment, with 64% of respondents calling for urgent improvements. Issues such as unclear land ownership, inefficient administrative systems, and a lack of skilled labor make further investment and agricultural growth more challenging.

To address these challenges, governments must show political will, take responsibility, and strengthen dialogue between public and private actors. The efficient use of frameworks like AfCFTA and AGOA, as well as targeted investments in irrigation, infrastructure, and training programs, can drive progress. By overcoming these challenges, Africa can harness its agricultural potential, promote economic growth, create jobs, and ensure food security.

Agricultural Consulting Firm

The consulting and project development company based in Dar es Salaam offers technical and economic consulting services in the agricultural sector:

Project planning of agricultural solutions tailored for so-called developing countries includes poultry farming, cattle and non-ruminant livestock, dairies, aquaculture, greenhouses, nurseries, field crop production, feed mills, and irrigation systems. Modern technologies are made use of to ensure efficient and sustainable agriculture, such as climate control systems, soil-less and hydroponic growing methods, urban farming solutions, drip irrigation, and pivot irrigation. The company connects projects with necessary infrastructure, including water and power supply, and integrates water collection, treatment, and energy systems.

The company offers research and analytical services such as land-use suitability analysis, financial modeling, and crop modeling. It also supports its clients with sustainability strategies for supply chains and project management for climate-smart agriculture initiatives. Modern tools like automation, solar-powered agriculture, and m-commerce software enhance productivity and reduce costs.

All projects prioritize collaboration with local communities, job creation, and promoting regional agricultural growth. The company organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences to encourage investment and development in the agricultural sector, with the goal of generating funds for the sector.

Your Tasks as an Online Intern:

• Gathering and Analyzing Agricultural Market Information: This involves daily analysis of information from newspapers, publications, and news from various websites and creating reports on agro-business
• Assisting with Agricultural Value Chain Analysis and Research
• Contributing to Projects of the Consulting Company
• Preparing Presentations

As a remote intern, you should have a background or interest in agriculture, technology, engineering, economics, development work, or related fields.

The internship can be conducted in English. You can determine the intensity (6-40 hours per week). There will be fixed times (at least 2 hours per week) when you will meet with your internship supervisor online, receive tasks, and get qualified feedback on your activities. The remaining time is to be worked independently. The scope of tasks will be tailored to your desired weekly hours.