Interview Ibrahima Coulibaly : « Farmers must be at the heart of agricultural policies »
Ibrahima Coulibaly, President of the Pan African Farmers Organization (PAFO), advocates for an ambitious structural reform focused on a fairer allocation of resources, integrating farmers into decision-making, and targeted financing.

Interview by Insaf Boughdiri
Have the Maputo and Malabo declarations achieved their objectives?
Unfortunately, the goals set by the Maputo and Malabo declarations, as well as by the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), are still far from meeting expectations and objectives. Indeed, the commitment to dedicate at least 10% of public budgets to agriculture has rarely been respected. Even when funds are allocated, they are often misdirected, prioritizing large urban centers at the expense of rural areas. Yet, these areas are the heart of agricultural production in Africa and home to the majority of smallholder farmers.
This inequality in resource distribution hinders the impact of agricultural policies on growth and rural development. In my view, structural reform is necessary to ensure that funds effectively reach rural areas. This involves allocating substantial budgets and ensuring that investments directly benefit farmers, notably through infrastructure, access to markets, financing, and training.
To sustainably address agricultural challenges, it is essential to adopt an inclusive approach that takes into account the specific needs of rural populations and fosters their active participation in the implementation of agricultural policies.
What are the main obstacles to the implementation of the 2026-2035 strategy?
The main obstacle lies in the absence of effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms, which prevents verifying whether commitments are actually being fulfilled. Without a rigorous system to assess progress, it is easy to lose sight of the original goals and repeat past failures. Furthermore, ineffective management of public funds further complicates the realization of ambitious agricultural strategies like the 2026-2035 strategy.
The solution is to establish transparent and participatory monitoring mechanisms. These systems should evaluate not only the amounts invested but also the quality and relevance of the financed projects. Special attention must be paid to the distribution of resources, ensuring that they directly benefit farmers and rural communities. Cooperation between governments, local authorities, and field actors is also crucial. By involving these different stakeholders in the decision-making chain, we can ensure that funds are used more strategically. Lastly, strong political commitment is essential to establish legislative and institutional frameworks conducive to the implementation of the strategy.
How can farmers be integrated into the implementation of the Kampala Declaration?
Integrating farmers into the implementation of the Kampala Declaration requires a paradigm shift. It is urgent to move from a centralized administrative approach to a participatory and inclusive approach that places farmers at the heart of agricultural policies. In many regions, farmers are often marginalized in decision-making processes, yet they should be seen as strategic partners.
To achieve this, it is essential to encourage dialogue between governments, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector. Consultation platforms and participatory monitoring mechanisms must be established to ensure that policies meet the real needs of producers. Moreover, strengthening agricultural value chains by supporting the local transformation of products is a priority. This will improve farmers’ incomes while creating jobs at the local level.
Additionally, special attention must be given to access to appropriate financing, the development of rural infrastructure, and the promotion of youth in the agricultural sector. These measures, combined with strong political will and a transparent institutional framework, will ensure that the transformation of the agricultural sector benefits African producers.
What is needed to triple intra-African trade in agro-food products by 2035?
To triple intra-African trade in agro-food products by 2035, it is crucial to remove the barriers currently hindering trade. This includes simplifying customs procedures, reducing logistics costs, and improving transport infrastructure.
In Africa, the costs associated with intra-continental trade remain among the highest in the world, largely due to inadequate road, rail, and port infrastructure.
Governments must also work to harmonize trade regulations and promote policies that facilitate the movement of goods and people across borders. The creation of a transparent, corruption-free trade environment is essential to encourage investors and stimulate trade.
In this context, the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) must be strengthened. If properly implemented, this initiative could serve as a catalyst to accelerate intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs on much of the traded products. However, this requires solid regional coordination, strong political leadership, and targeted investments to modernize logistical and trade infrastructures.
How can post-harvest losses be reduced by 50% by 2035?
Reducing post-harvest losses by 50% by 2035 requires an integrated approach that combines infrastructure investments, producer training, and better organization of value chains. A large portion of agricultural losses in Africa is due to inadequate storage systems, inefficient transport chains, and a lack of modern technologies to preserve harvests.
It is essential to develop suitable storage solutions, such as refrigerated warehouses and hermetic silos, to extend the shelf life of products. These infrastructures must be complemented by investments in roads and transport networks, particularly in rural areas, to quickly connect farmers to markets and reduce losses due to delays.
Another important lever is to strengthen the capacity of producers in post-harvest management. This could include training on good agricultural practices, quality standards, and available technologies.
We must acknowledge that we have successful experiences on the continent. The example of cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire and cotton in Mali illustrates the effectiveness of a structured organization. In Côte d’Ivoire, cooperatives centralize collection, improve storage, and facilitate access to international markets, thus reducing losses. In Mali, the cotton sector relies on successful coordination between producers, authorities, and private partners, supported by local processing units and technical support.
These models show that high-performing agriculture requires a rigorous structuring of value chains, adequate infrastructure, and facilitated access to financing. By promoting public-private partnerships and replicating these successes in other agricultural sectors, Africa can significantly reduce post-harvest losses, increase producer incomes, and sustainably strengthen its food security.