By Neema Munisi | Mass Impacts Ltd
A New Perspective: My Hindsight on the Encompassing Nature of Food Systems
The sun was already high in the Dar es Salaam sky when the email came in. An invitation to a media breakfast hosted by AGRA. As an agribusiness consultant, I, Neema Munisi, have had my fair share of conferences, meetings, and events. But something about this one felt different.
My career has been dedicated to modernizing farming techniques and optimizing agricultural supply chains in Tanzania. I had always approached agriculture from a business perspective, focusing on efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. But that morning, as I sat among a group of journalists, government officials, and thought leaders, I was reminded that agriculture is not just a business; it’s a system that impacts every aspect of our lives.
Jean Kiarie, the Head of Communications at AGRA, was the one who drove this point home. She urged the global media to amplify Africa’s groundbreaking agriculture and food systems narrative, explaining that it influences not only our economy but also our environment, our health, and our society as a whole.
“We need to look at agriculture as an ecosystem,” she said. “It affects everything from employment and education to the environment and geopolitics. It’s time for Africa to tell its story.”
Her words struck a chord with me. I realized that my work was part of a larger narrative, one that had the potential to transform not only the agricultural sector but the entire continent. It was a humbling and empowering realization.
With this newfound clarity and purpose, I commit to going beyond the usual scope of agribusiness consulting. My work will no longer be limited to optimizing agricultural supply chains and modernizing farming techniques in Tanzania. Instead, I will strive to influence the broader ecosystem of agriculture, taking into account its intricate links with technology, education, environment, and public policy.
I commit to actively seeking and fostering collaborations with stakeholders from diverse sectors. Whether it’s partnering with tech startups to bring innovative solutions to our farmers, or working with educational institutions to develop agribusiness curricula, I’m all in. I envision a future where agriculture is fully integrated into our social fabric, driving not just economic growth but also contributing to a more equitable and sustainable society.
I commit to being a vocal advocate for the redefinition and broadening of Africa’s agriculture and food systems narrative. I will engage with policymakers, write articles, participate in forums, and use my influence to promote a comprehensive and interconnected understanding of agriculture and its role in our lives.
I commit to nurturing a network of like-minded individuals and organizations who share this holistic vision. Together, we can pool our resources, knowledge, and influence to enact meaningful changes on a large scale.
___