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.

The agricultural sector, while foundational to global economies, is fraught with challenges that test the resilience and ingenuity of young agripreneurs and cooperatives. From volatile market conditions to unpredictable environmental factors, the journey to establishing a successful agricultural enterprise is akin to navigating a battlefield. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a timeless treatise on strategy and leadership, offers profound insights that can be adapted to the agricultural domain. By applying its principles, meticulous planning, adaptability, effective leadership, strategic marketing, and winning without fighting, young agricultural enterprises and cooperatives can not only survive but thrive in this competitive landscape. This article explores how these principles can be practically implemented, supported by real-world case studies and lessons learned.

While East Africa and Latin America are often highlighted as leaders in coffee production, West Africa, particularly countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Togo, has the necessary foundations to significantly increase its coffee production. Côte d'Ivoire, with an annual production of 1 to 2 million bags, is already a regional leader. Yet, the country and its neighbors have much more to offer. Currently, West Africa produces around 2 to 3 million bags per year, a tiny fraction of global production. This represents a tremendous opportunity for the region.

The increasing demand for white sesame seeds in international markets such as South Korea, China, Japan, and India presents a lucrative opportunity for West African farmers and agribusiness stakeholders. To seize this opportunity and maximize export potential, agribusiness firms and agricultural cooperatives can adopt the following strategies: