Nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of material measuring between 1–100 nanometers in at least one dimension, is leading to the development of potentially revolutionary technologies in a variety of industries, including agriculture and food. By increasing productivity, reducing postharvest loss, improving product quality, increasing the competitiveness of agricultural producers, and improving market access, advances in nanotechnology may present new opportunities to improve the livelihoods of the poor, if the multiple challenges to their use can be overcome.

After several major transitions, Senegal succeeded in developing a multisectoral strategy to achieve sustainable nutrition outcomes. The country achieved significant results through a combination of actions, including a strong political commitment to fighting malnutrition and the development of a coherent architecture to support this effort.

Abstract

Last year Gates Foundation members reflected on the Foundation’s role in agricultural development by conducting a yearlong analysis of the evolving agricultural development landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and agriculture’s powerful and volatile relationship to poverty reduction. This process resulted in an evolution of the Foundation’s strategic focus and reaffirmed the essential role of data and policy in pursuing agriculture-led poverty reduction.

In the next 20 years, both farming and agro-industries in Africa need to undergo profound structural transformations in order to generate the jobs, incomes and food products so badly needed by the continent’s growing population. To be able to make the vital transition from the current agriculture-led growth strategy to a more prosperous agribusiness development strategy, the power of market demand will be essential to fully developing African agribusiness capacities and achieving international competitiveness.