Africa Food Prize: $100,000 to celebrate Africans who are taking control of Agriculture Agenda

The search is on for the winner of the 2021 Africa Food Prize – the preeminent award that recognizes outstanding individuals or institutions that are leading the effort to change the reality of farming in Africa from a struggle to survive to a business that thrives.

The US $100,000 Prize celebrates Africans who are taking control of Africa’s agriculture agenda. It puts a bright spotlight on bold initiatives and technical innovations that can be replicated across the continent to create a new era of food security and economic opportunity for all Africans.

Undoubtedly, agriculture in Africa has a significant social, and economic footprint as 60% of West Africa’s population is smallholder farmers. Nearly 23% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is from agriculture.

However, the African farmers continue to face challenges such as limited quantities of produce, distance, lack of storage facilities, inadequate technical know-how, climate, etc.

With the comprehension that the dual objectives of agriculture in Africa are providing food and enabling the environment for peoples’ businesses to thrive, the African Food Award is inviting applications from individuals, institutions, and organizations that lead innovative solutions to address African farmers’ problems are facing holistically.

The Africa Food Prize

The Africa Food Prize was initially launched as the Yara Prize in 2005 by the Yara International ASA in Norway to honour African agriculture achievements. Consequently, the name was changed to the Africa Food Prize.

The highly-revered award seeks to recognize and celebrate people who are leading Africa’s agriculture agenda.

It recognizes technological innovations and initiatives that are critical and can be applied across Africa to change the present narrative of food security and economic opportunity in the continent.

The prize has brought recognitions to 18 countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, who are current recipients of this prize. The above-listed countries have shown remarkable achievements in the farming sector, thus making farming more productive, resilient and profitable.

Value of Award

US $100,000

Eligibility Requirements

High-flying individuals, startups, and organizations in Africa with a recognized and formal judicial and organizational structure contributing to the prize’s overall objectives.

Applicant’s contributions must have changed the African situation positively, nationally, regionally, or the continent.

Current members of the Prize committee or an organization/institution headed by such a person are not eligible.

More than one person can win this award, but not more than two. If shared, each winner receives equal prize money (the US $100,000 divided in two), a diploma and a trophy.

Selection Process

The first step to winning the Africa Food Prize 2021 commences with nominations being sent to the Africa Food Prize Secretariat.

Nominations must include the requested information in the Nomination Guide.

The Secretariat then assists the committee in screening and selecting candidates.

Finally, by unanimous vote, the Africa Food Prize Committee chooses the prize winner(s).

Deadline

Applications should be submitted on or before Tuesday, May 25th, 2021.

Click HERE to Apply