The African Agriculture Barometer
Afdi - French Farmers and International Development
Overview of the project
The African Agriculture Barometer is an analytical, data valorization and decision-support tool dedicated to understanding the dynamics of agricultural value chains across the African continent (with the pilot version focusing on the dairy value chain). It aims to produce, structure and disseminate reliable, accessible and comparable data to inform the choices of farmers’ organizations, public decision-makers and technical and financial partners. Based on a partnership approach involving African and European stakeholders, the Barometer combines international databases with an analysis rooted in local realities. It covers several key dimensions of agricultural systems, including production, trade, consumption, investment and public policies. What makes the Barometer distinctive is its ability to go beyond a strictly economic reading of value chains. The tool also incorporates social and structural dimensions, highlighting impacts on family farming, farmers’ organizations and rural territories. It therefore makes it possible to analyze the interdependencies between economic, social and environmental issues, including the effects of climate change, without isolating them from the other dynamics at play. By providing accessible visual resources (maps, dashboards and infographics) and structured analysis, the Barometer promotes a shared understanding of key issues and strengthens stakeholders’ capacity to engage in dialogue, shape their strategies and support policies and investments that are more consistent with local realities.
Producing data to guide policies and investments towards sustainable and resilient value chains
Ongoing research
Project still in progress
The Barometer has received coverage in French regional and national press, as well as in international media in Africa. It has led to the organization of two roundtables in France and several invitations to present the tool at international summits in Africa. Webinars and an initial training session have been organized for advocacy officers from African farmers’ organizations. The pilot project resulted in the production of a first Barometer dedicated to the dairy value chain, published in both French and English. Finally, a dedicated webpage will be launched in 2026 to facilitate access to the data, analyses and visual resources produced.
The Barometer has made it possible to structure an analysis of agricultural value chains around six interconnected themes, providing a comprehensive and coherent reading of their dynamics. Its first edition, dedicated to the dairy value chain, includes six maps, dashboards and visual resources based on updated, official and consolidated data, made accessible through a process of simplification and knowledge sharing. Designed as a shared tool for stakeholders from the Global North and South, it facilitates a common understanding of key issues and interdependencies. It strengthens the capacity of farmers’ organizations and institutions to analyze, explain and mobilize data, contributing to more balanced dialogue and cooperation better adapted to the realities of local territories.
The first edition was co-funded by Afdi and the Foundation for Agriculture and Rurality in the World (FARM)
organisation
Afdi is an international solidarity association created by French agricultural professional organizations (OPA). Afdi supports family farmers in their efforts to earn a decent living from their profession and ensure the sustainability of their farms. Rooted in French territories, Afdi is committed to supporting family farming, supports initiatives led by partner farmers’ organizations (FOs) in countries of the Global South, and raises awareness among professionals in the French agricultural and rural sectors about solidarity and active citizenship. Afdi is a partner of 66 farmers’ organizations in 19 countries across Africa, Asia and the Eastern Caribbean, supporting 800,000 farms.
Foundation for Agriculture and Rurality in the World (FARM)