Instead of focusing on arguments about the Green Revolution or genetically modified crops, Africa needs solutions to boosting productivity, says an article in the Independent Online.

The article looks at the work of American, Joe DeVries over 3 decades in Africa helping farmers improve yields, fight pests and control disease. He is currently director of the Program for Africa's Seed Systems at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

DeVries advocates for better farming for all; seed, appropriate fertilizer, access to agricultural and financial infrastructure.

“By using a little bit of fertilizer with an improved seed, like a hybrid, farmers can double and triple their yields,” says DeVries.

The article’s author, Tamar Haspel, spent time talking to scientists in Africa who are trying to improve agriculture from just about every angle. These included Ravi Prabhu, Deputy Director General, Research with the World Agroforestry Centre, who is looking for ways to improve farm productivity by incorporating trees.

“We want people to make money,” said Prabhu. “And we want them to do it in a way that's sustainable.”

“Nobody was very focused on genetic modification per se; they were all too busy solving problems,” writes Haspal.

AGRA is focusing on agriculture as an enterprise, helping farmers to start and run successful businesses. Crucial to this is providing improved seeds, fertilizer, infrastructure and loan guarantees. Farmers need tools and knowledge to improve their production, not just agricultural technology deployed from the west.

Read the full story: Show African farmers how to profit