New Seed Dependencies Emerge in Africa's Agricultural Sector

The agricultural landscape in Africa is witnessing a significant shift with the recent inauguration of a seed production facility in Kambwe, Zambia, operated by Bayer AG. This facility is projected to supply seeds to approximately 6.4 million smallholder farmers. Bayer's initiative aims to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of local communities through increased productivity.

However, the anticipated benefits of this venture are met with skepticism. Bayer, which recently faced a hefty $2.1 billion penalty in the United States linked to its herbicide Roundup, is now focusing on expanding its operations in Africa. This move aligns with the company's recovery strategy following several years of financial losses, and it has already positively influenced Bayer's stock performance.

Despite the optimistic projections, the acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer has been fraught with challenges. The controversial herbicide glyphosate, developed by Monsanto, has resulted in ongoing legal disputes, and Bayer is also under scrutiny for alleged human rights violations and environmental damage related to its agricultural practices in South America. Critics argue that the company's model contributes to food insecurity, water shortages, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and conflicts over land use.

The new seed facility may pose risks for Zambia as well. Bayer's subsidiary, Crop Science, is known for distributing hazardous pesticides globally. Large-scale maize monocultures are particularly vulnerable to pest outbreaks, necessitating the use of chemical treatments. Currently, the seeds produced at the new site are already treated with pesticides to combat insect and fungal threats.

Maize is a staple food for the Zambian population, yet its rising use as livestock feed is concerning, especially given projections that suggest a dramatic increase in meat demand across Africa by 2050. This trend is expected to escalate land use for feed crops and boost seed sales. Furthermore, maize cultivation is water-intensive, with Bayer reporting that 80% of the land used by farmers for seed production is irrigated. Climate change is increasingly leading to prolonged droughts, complicating irrigation efforts and exacerbating water scarcity issues.

The Kariba Dam, crucial for electricity supply to many, recorded just 6% of its usable capacity at one point last year. The degradation of deforested and eroded soils significantly reduces their water retention capabilities during rainfall.

As for job creation, Bayer plans to hire only 80 permanent employees for the facility, while an additional 100 temporary workers will be engaged through a service provider under local industry standards. However, the company did not provide details regarding the contracts for approximately 15,500 seasonal workers who will cultivate seeds across thousands of hectares in various provinces.

This pattern of operation raises concerns about the rights of agricultural workers and the environmental impact of corporate practices. In a country where nearly 60% of the population lives in extreme poverty, new dependencies are likely to be established. The hybrid seeds produced will require annual purchases from farmers, as they lose their claimed drought resistance after just one generation, undermining the feasibility of self-propagation among farmers.