This paper presents an analysis of the characteristics of family farming in Africa and discusses its role in overcoming some of the major development challenges in this region. The main objective of the study is to depict family farming’s diversity in the region. Furthermore, it examines the contribution of family farming to agricultural and rural development, food and nutrition security and environmental protection. The paper also presents some key recommendations and discusses the enabling policy environment that should be built and deployed to overcome the challenges family farmers face, highlighting the policies and best practices involving family farming that are being implemented in the region.