GlobalGrowers, an initiative of AvecAfrica, empowers smallholder farmers through collective action—aggregating individual harvests into exportable volumes that meet international demand. The platform connects farmers directly with global buyers, eliminating intermediary exploitation and ensuring fair, transparent pricing. Operating through an innovative four-tier structure, GlobalGrowers combines farmers and cooperatives at the foundation, certified trainers providing capacity building, country representatives managing quality and logistics, and AvecAfrica facilitating global market connections. Members receive immediate payment, free access to digital tools (web, desktop, and mobile apps), professional training, and real-time market intelligence.

Small farmers and small processors lose a large share of potential income because of familiar, fixable problems: poor roads and transport, lack of storage, information gaps, weak bargaining power, and costly buyer requirements. Breaking Barriers pulls together proven, on-the-ground examples and practical steps that real producer groups and companies have used to change that — from Ghana’s cooperatives that co-own brands, to India’s village kiosks, Kenya’s aggregation networks, solar cold rooms in Nigeria, and franchise-style agribusiness and insurance models in Africa and Latin America.

Global maize demand is surging, driven by a myriad of factors including population growth, rising food consumption, and the expanding use of maize in industrial applications such as corn oil production. With world manufacturers seeking monthly quantities exceeding 100,000 MT, this market trend is creating unprecedented opportunities for small farmers and cooperatives around the globe. By adapting to modern agricultural practices, developing locally adapted maize seeds, and forming strategic partnerships, these producers can transform local agriculture into a robust contributor to the global supply chain.

Africa’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the continent’s economy, employing over 60% of its population and contributing significantly to food security and livelihoods. Yet, smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of this sector, face immense challenges. Limited access to resources, unpredictable markets, climate change, and isolation often leave them trapped in cycles of poverty and food insecurity. However, amidst these challenges lies a transformative solution: farmer cooperatives. By uniting their efforts, smallholder farmers can amplify their voices, share resources, and access opportunities that were once out of reach. This article explores how cooperatives are empowering African farmers, fostering resilience, and driving sustainable development across the continent.