Report

CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator: agri-innovation report for East and Southern Africa - cohort 2

Abstract

The CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator Agri-Innovation Report for East and Southern Africa: Cohort 2 presents the outcomes of an initiative aimed at transforming agrifood systems across the region. This report documents the journey of ten agribusinesses selected for support under the Ukama Ustawi initiative, which promotes sustainable, climate-smart, and investment-ready agricultural innovations.

Agriculture in East and Southern Africa (ESA) is at a crossroads, requiring scalable innovations to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability. Recognizing this need, the CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator provides targeted technical assistance to agribusinesses, focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), Impact Measurement and Management (IMM), and Investment Readiness (IR). The initiative supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture to adopt sustainable practices, access financing, and expand their operations, ensuring long-term resilience and food security.