Solving the several agricultural problems in developing countries needs both political will from the government, a major stakeholder, and a strategic plan that incorporates the contributions of farmers, traders, processors, transporters, service providers, labourers and policy makers using the consultation or engagement model (bottom-top approach).

The avenue of bringing these stakeholders together to proffer solutions of perceived problems through dialogue will go a long way to provide real solutions to the many problems bedevilling the agricultural sector. However, it is important to identify the genuine actors who understood the problems, and can identify the root cause(s) of these problems. Therefore, it is important to build their capacity to be able to identify root causes rather than focusing on the symptoms which are superficial. Solving superficial problems has been the focus of several intervention programmes, and it seems like these problems are becoming more and more recurrent, even with several funds or resources invested to alleviate them.

In conclusion, it is important we identify the appropriate stakeholders using the innovative platforms (which seems like the best approach, although it has its own challenges), and build the capacity of these stakeholders to be able to identify their problems, highlighting the root causes themselves, and proffering the solutions. Therefore, building this capacity that will empower stakeholders to be able to solve their problems at various periods and stages will go a long way in transforming agriculture in developing countries. Therefore, seeking the appropriate knowledge at all times will be the fuel that will power the future of agriculture in these countries.

Yours-in-Service,
Babatunde