While the majority of the African population is heavily reliant on agriculture, the continent has lagged behind other developing regions in progressing this essential sector. Research and development specific to the continent’s varied ecosystems and crops has been chronically neglected, as has infrastructure and education to support farmers. As Harvard professor and Kenyan national Calestous Juma has argued: “Neglect of agriculture has been a defining feature of Africa’s economic policy over the last four decades.”