Smallholder farmers in Africa are affected by multiple stressors and shocks that negatively disrupt farming systems and consequently threaten farmers’ livelihoods. These stressors are caused by environmental and economic shocks. Economic shocks include those caused by conflicts that lead to failing agricultural markets. 

Environmental shocks include the effects of climate change that lead to the proliferation of disease incidences and pest infestation, such as the 2019 – 2021 desert locust invasion, droughts, and floods. In addition, smallholder farmers are heavily affected by pandemics such as Covid-19. The booming digital technology era provides a viable way to build farmers’ resilience to cope with the shocks. 

Mercy Corps and its partners host the AgriFin Learning Event (ALE) with the aim of bringing together stakeholders in the agricultural sector who are focused on leveraging digital technology, to drive the sector’s growth, and improve the lives of smallholder farmers.