Building on 40 Years: The Path Forward

Since 1986, SAA has embraced the principle of “Walking with the Farmer,” working closely with governments, research institutions, and farming communities to strengthen agricultural extension systems and improve the productivity and livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Africa. Today, however, Sub-Saharan Africa faces unprecedented and complex challenges, including intensifying climate change, land degradation, market constraints, and shifting demographics.  In response, the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan draws on nearly four decades of trust and partnerships built on the ground to further deepen the organization’s core focus areas. By integrating digital tools and climate resilience into proven extension models and strengthening collaboration across the value chain, SAA will accelerate the transformation toward sustainable agrifood systems where farmers and local institutions drive lasting change.

1. Strategic Focus Areas (2026-2030)

Based on forty years of field experience and the foundations laid out by the 2021-2025 strategy, SAA will focus on the following three Strategic Focus Areas:

• Strategic Focus Area 1: Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems Scaling climate-smart and regenerative agriculture while strengthening climate resilience at farm and household levels.
• Strategic Focus Area 2: Inclusive Markets and Agri-business Development Promoting agri-business development, expanding market access, and improving postharvest efficiency.
• Strategic Focus Area 3: Safe, Adequate & Nutritious Food Systems Scaling nutrition-sensitive food production systems and improving food safety and dietary diversity.

2. Four Cross-Cutting Enablers to Accelerate Transformation

To ensure the effectiveness of these strategies, SAA integrates the following four elements across all activities as Cross-Cutting Enablers:

1. Capacity Building, Extension Systems, and Farmer Learning: Sustainable technology transfer through skill enhancement for extension agents and farmers.
2. Policy Advocacy and Systems Engagement: Supporting evidence-based policy formulation that reflects voices from the field and strengthening institutional delivery systems.
3. Appropriate Technologies and Management Practices: Providing accessible and effective agricultural technologies tailored to local needs.

Inclusion: Ensuring no one is left behind, with a dedicated focus on women, youth, persons with disabilities, and smallholder farmers.

Looking Ahead: Building Resilient Food Systems

By leveraging the trust and knowledge cultivated throughout its history as a vital resource, SAA will continue to support farmers in shaping their own futures through digital technology and innovative extension methods. In the spirit of "Walking with the Farmer," the organization remains committed to the challenge of transforming Africa's agrifood systems.

The Summary of Strategic Plan is available for download.