AFRICA, Oct. 20 -- ACROSS Africa, agriculture is often described as the backbone of the economy. Governments and development partners speak of food security, climate-smart farming and the potential of agribusiness.

Yet, one critical ingredient is frequently overlooked: Business skills. For decades, agricultural development has focused heavily on production. Training programmes teach farmers how to improve yields, manage pests, conserve soil and adopt improved seed varieties.

These are essential, but a bumper harvest does not automatically translate into a successful farm business. Many farmers and young people entering the sector can grow crops but struggle to turn them into profit.

Agricultural transformation will remain elusive if fa...