Why Do Great Strategies Fail?
Too often, ambitious plans fall short—not because they lack vision, but because execution falters. Delivering results requires leadership, discipline, and the right skills. This was the core focus of the AATI Learning Retreat, held from February 10-14, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The retreat brought together staff from Agricultural Transformation Offices (ATOs) in Sierra Leone and Tanzania, alongside government representatives from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Tanzania, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Sierra Leone. The goal? To align government expectations with ATO priorities, visualize success for 2025, strengthen institutional capacity, and facilitate cross-country learning.
Unlocking the Potential of Agricultural Transformation Offices
Agricultural transformation requires strategic alignment, knowledge-sharing, and execution-focused leadership. During the retreat, participants engaged in critical discussions on:
- Defining success for 2025 – What outcomes matter most?
- Aligning ATO and government priorities – How do we work together effectively?
- Building core capabilities – Strengthening skills in project management, policy research, climate-smart agriculture, communication, and partnerships.
- Learning from other ATAs – Drawing insights from Ethiopia, Togo, and South Sudan.
One of the most impactful sessions focused on deliverology, a structured approach to execution. As Melon Amadou from Delivery Associates put it:
“Deliverology is about asking the right questions: What are you trying to do? How are you doing it? Are you on track? And if not, how do you get back on track?” She also emphasizes that, “The key to execution is focusing on a few priorities and using data for problem-solving. Data helps you understand challenges, track progress, and adjust your approach accordingly.”
From Vision to Execution: What It Takes
A key highlight of the retreat was the visioning exercise, where government leaders and ATOs mapped out shared priorities for 2025. This session helped:
- Clarify expectations and inform planning.
- Strengthen leadership development in strategic thinking and decision-making.
- Foster collaboration between government and ATOs for better coordination.
Mr. Edwin Mhedi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Fisheries, emphasizes:
“Successful execution requires discipline, diligence, and leadership. Leaders must improve working relationships with those implementing projects to ensure better coordination.”
Key Learnings from Ethiopia, Togo, and Sudan
Participants also gained insights from other agricultural transformation agencies (ATAs):
Ethiopia: A “Pocket of Excellence”
- Leadership with technical expertise drives credibility.
- Data-driven decision-making ensures effective resource allocation.
- Flexible funding and strategic partnerships support long-term success.
Togo: Rapid Execution & Government Buy-In
- Self-financed its ATA, ensuring agility.
- Built on existing policies rather than starting from scratch.
- Emphasized resource mobilization and partnerships to accelerate impact.
Sudan: Political Commitment & Clear Focus
- Strong government buy-in led to the creation of the Agricultural and Livestock Transformation Agency (ALTA).
- A well-rounded stakeholder process ensured alignment across ministries.
- A demand-driven approach balanced “quick wins” with long-term transformation.
What’s Next? Turning Insights into Action
The retreat laid the foundation for the groundwork. The next steps include:
- Finalizing and validating work plans to ensure clarity on 2025 priorities.
- Establishing delivery mechanisms to track progress and course-correct when needed.
- Tailored capacity-building exercises based on individual needs assessments.
Voices from the Retreat: Participant Reflections
“This wasn’t just a retreat—it was a deep learning experience. The policy research and communications sessions were particularly relevant for me.”
“ASANA was a game-changer for organizing our daily work.”
“It was great to meet the Sierra Leone team and exchange knowledge.”
“This engagement was incredibly useful. We need more sessions like this every two months!”
Conclusion: Execution is Everything
AATI’s Learning Retreat reinforced a crucial lesson: Transformation doesn’t happen through strategy alone—it happens through execution. With a renewed focus on deliverology, leadership, and learnings from other ATA’s, “the ATOs are now better equipped to carry out their mandate, ensuring that agricultural transformation is not just a vision, but a reality.” Ms. Safia Boly, Executive Director, AATI The challenge ahead? Turning these insights into action.
By Christine Misiko
