Entrepreneurship pathways for scaling legume-based agroecological intensification in Eastern and Southern Africa. A review

Entrepreneurship-driven scaling of legume-based agroecological intensification presents an opportunity to enhance the livelihoods of marginalised groups – particularly women, youth, and the rural poor – while fostering sustainable economic development across Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). This review addresses three research questions: (i) What are the pathways to scale legume-based entrepreneurship that could support agroecological intensification, drawing from agri-food system projects in ESA? (ii) What frameworks can guide the effective scaling of such legume-based entrepreneurship? (iii) What are the key barriers and enabling factors to legume-based entrepreneurship in legume-producing countries? We synthesised insights using an innovation systems lens, entrepreneurship ecosystem frameworks, and value chain development approaches. Five primary scaling pathways emerged from our analysis, namely: (1) contract farming; (2) leasing-based business models; (3) mobilisation of public and private financing; (4) support for seed systems and local enterprises; and (5) application of private equity to expand high-potential legume-based startups and SMEs. Additional opportunities included expanding export-oriented value chains. Critical enablers across all of these pathways include entrepreneurship-friendly policy environments, ICT integration, access to finance, and business development services. The pathways are embedded within a proposed scaling framework that embraces a food systems perspective and emphasises the synergy between production and market development. To accelerate legume-enterprise derived impacts, policymakers should adopt a more integrated approach that addresses: reforming regulatory frameworks, incentivising private-sector engagement, aligning seed system policies, improving rural infrastructure, enhancing export capabilities, and increasing investments in agricultural research-for-development.