African farmers are demanding affordable, accessible financing as many governments in the region fail to meet longstanding targets for agricultural spending. Multiple reports say agriculture remains underfunded, and that this gap affects farmers’ ability to buy inputs, invest in productivity, and sustain livelihoods.
The sources point to a commonly cited benchmark: governments have repeatedly promised to allocate 10% of national income to agriculture, but delivery is uneven or insufficient. While funding exists in some cases, reaching smallholder farmers—often described as the “last mile” challenge—is still difficult. One issue highlighted is that some available funds are politicised, which can limit consistent access for small-scale producers.
Across the coverage, the central emphasis is on affordability and reach rather than only the overall level of spending. The reporting frames farmers’ concerns as focused on how finance is designed, distributed, and delivered at local levels, where administrative barriers and distribution gaps can prevent intended support from reaching those who need it most.
