There is a new consensus today that investing in African agriculture is fundamental for reducing poverty and food insecurity on the continent. But how can this be done without repeating many of the mistakes of the past that led to widespread disappointment and pessimism about African agriculture, and a precipitous decline in donor support during the past two decades?

Drawing on a set of studies of past successes rather than failures in African agriculture, this seminar will discuss the kinds of investments strategies that are more likely to be successful, and the implications for donors and governments.

Copies of the book Successes in African Agriculture and the accompanying brief will be available at the seminar.

Steve Haggblade is Professor, International Development in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University.

Simeon Ehui is the World Bank’s Sector Manager for South Asia Agriculture and Rural Development.

Peter Hazell is currently a Professorial Research Associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University