Since 1986, SAA has been working on strengthening the agricultural extension system in sub-Saharan Africa to support smallholders gain a variety of skills and knowledge in agriculture. SAA has worked to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and reduce poverty by strengthening the relationship between National Agriculture Research and Extension Systems, Universities, International Agricultural Research Centers, extension workers and farmer organizations; and by providing comprehensive support, covering the entire value chain from production, postharvest, agro-processing and marketing.

However, in the face of emerging global challenges such as soil degradation, climate change, rapid population growth, increasing youth unemployment, and the spread of COVID-19, it is necessary to work on the realization of food, nutrition and income security across the entire food system – from food production through to consumption in the sub-Saharan Africa region. This is aimed at reducing poverty for smallholder farmers in Africa. Based on this Vision and Mission, in 2021, SAA launched a five-year Strategic Plan (2021-2025) centered on the following priority areas.

Download: SAA Strategic Plan 2021-2025 (PDF)

Sustainable Development Goals（SDGs）

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations as a universal call to action to end poverty and improve environmental sustainability. There are a total of 17 Goals, all of which are integrated in the recognition that action in one area will inevitably affect outcomes in others.

Through various interventions, SAA will primarily contribute to Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. SAA aims to boost productivity, close the yield gap, provide sufficient nutritious food in line with population growth, as well as strengthen the linkage to markets to improve family incomes.

SAA also contributes to the following SDGs:

• Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
• Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Reduce postharvest losses through technical backstopping.
• Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy.
• Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.