The Problem
Across Africa, food production is growing, but the systems that govern food production and trade are sub-optimal. This has created a chain of interlinked challenges that threaten food quality, safety, market integrity, livelihoods and long-term sustainability.
Key Challenges
01
Poor compliance with responsible and climate-smart practices as many farms lack alignment with food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability standards, affecting both product quality and environmental resilience.
02
Declining food quality and safety as poorly managed production systems expose consumers to public health risks and reduce trust in local products.
03
Lack of tools and market access for producers as farmers often lack affordable systems for training, monitoring, and traceability, making it difficult to prove compliance or reach responsible markets.
04
Low consumer trust and transparency with misinformation, weak labeling, and absence of verifiable standards make it hard for buyers and consumers to identify ethical, safe products.
05
Data gaps and weak regulation as governments and partners struggle with fragmented data and limited oversight, hindering effective policy, investment, and accountability.
06
Foreign and inaccessible certification systems as existing programs are often expensive, complex, and disconnected from African realities, excluding small- and medium-scale farmers.
This has led to a food system where consumers lack confidence; animals, crops, and ecosystems suffer from poor management; and the long-term sustainability of Africa’s food systems and livelihoods is at risk
The Solution - S.A.F.E Framework
The S.A.F.E. Framework is creating a locally relevant ecosystem that connects responsible production with trusted markets.
Sustainability
Helping farms adopt climate-smart, sustainable, and welfare-focused practices that protect ecosystems and ensure long-term viability.
Accessibility
Ensuring small- and medium-scale producers can meet rising standards through localized verification and digital inclusion tools.
Food Safety
Embedding biosecurity, traceability, and hygienic production within value chains to improve consumer health and market competitiveness.
Ethics
Promoting humane treatment of animals, fair labor conditions, and transparent governance throughout the food system.
AgrowSAFE Brings the S.A.F.E Framework to Life
AgrowSAFE is a digital and verification ecosystem that operationalizes the S.A.F.E. Framework across agriculture and food systems. It helps farmers and agribusinesses adopt, measure, and showcase responsible practices; connect to trusted markets; and access continuous digital learning. At the same time, it provides governments, partners, and consumers with verified data and insights that enhance transparency, traceability, and sustainability across agricultural value chains.
Our Integrated Digital Components
Through its connected digital platform, AgrowSAFE provides:
- Farm Monitoring & Data Logging – tools for continuous performance and welfare tracking.
- Compliance, Verification & Traceability System – evidence-based pathways that generate verifiable, tiered SAFE statuses and badges.
- Training & Advisory Hub – resources and expert guidance to strengthen farmer knowledge and institutional capacity.
- Market Access Linkage – direct connections between verified producers and ethical buyers seeking trusted products.
- Service Access & Professional Directory – listings of veterinarians, agronomists, feed suppliers, and other certified support professionals.
- Community, Engagement & Learning Forum – a collaborative space for peer learning and collective improvement.
- Governance, Data & Analytics Dashboard – evidence dashboards for governments, donors, and businesses to inform policy, investment, and impact decisions.
