Amath Pathé Sene : the Architect of sustainable agriculture in Africa
In a world where challenges related to climate change and food security are becoming increasingly urgent, Amath Pathé Sene stands out as a proponent of sustainable agriculture in Africa. Leading the African Food Systems Forum (AFS), he orchestrates a significant transformation of the agricultural sector on the continent.
By Dounia Ben Mohamed, in Kigali
Tall and slender, Amath Pathé Sene is no less one of the most discreet men. Yet, in the halls of the Kigali Convention Center, where the African Food Systems Forum (AFS 2024) was held in early September, amid government representatives, development partners, and business leaders, he shines with his charisma, agility, and effectiveness.
His displayed humility cannot hide an exemplary career that resonates through the corridors of global climate change and the world of agriculture. This path has led him to take the helm of the African Food Systems Forum (formerly AGRF), headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda. A structure he has transformed over two editions, turning it from a forum into a true platform for action in favor of the advent of sustainable agriculture in Africa. His leitmotif, his battle. Which finds its source in the young man’s roots.
A passion for the land
Hailing from the peanut basin of Senegal, Amath Pathé Sene’s roots are deeply connected to the land that has nurtured him. « The appeal of these fertile lands, brimming with promises of sustenance, was simply incredible, » he confides in an interview. Yet, even as a young boy, he harbored an unwavering ambition to effect change and elevate the living standards of those in these rural enclaves. « Anyone who knows Senegal knows the terrain. I have been going there since my childhood, making trips back and forth between the city and the countryside. From a very young age, I was connected to the rural world, but I also had this passion to see things change and improve the lives of these communities in rural areas. »
Driven by an innate desire to bring about positive changes, Sene pursued a career as an agronomist with resolute determination. « It drove me to become an agronomist, so it’s not by chance. I also decided to work on agricultural development, rebuilding agricultural economies in conflict-affected countries, » he explained, highlighting his commitment to making a tangible impact in regions grappling with the consequences of conflicts.
An international journey
Sene’s career has far exceeded the borders of his home country. Within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), from Brazil to Kenya and up to Afghanistan, Sene’s work has significantly shaped the discourse on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and poverty reduction. « As an African, I believe I am part of the solution. We need to advance this program globally, nationally, and regionally, but also showcase the best of Africa, » he stated.
As the head of the African Food Systems Forum (AGRF), he is tackling a monumental task. As a focal point for dialogue, innovation, and partnership, he plays a central role in promoting the African agricultural program on the global stage. With Amath Pathé Sene as the spokesperson for a sustainable African agriculture capable of addressing the challenges of food security and climate change, he asserts: « We are on the brink of a transformative change, and I am confident that together, we will propel African food systems toward a future of resilience, sustainability, and prosperity. »
