World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, serves as a crucial moment for Africa to both acknowledge its challenges and recognize the opportunities it has to address food security and prosperity.
The continent faces numerous issues, but it also has the potential to overcome them by focusing on key areas, such as energy poverty and maximizing food production.
Africa’s heavy reliance on food imports, amounting to $45 billion, underscores the gap in food production. Small-scale farmers play a vital role in producing food and sustaining their livelihoods, but they are facing increasing hardships. They often rely on rain-fed agriculture and lack the financial support needed to cope with climate-related challenges.
Major causes of food insecurity in Africa, often exacerbated by climate crises, include conflicts, economic shocks, and rising living costs. Extreme weather events, like droughts in East Africa, cyclones in southern Africa, and flooding in central and southern Africa, further exacerbate the continent’s food security challenges.
Efforts are being made to adapt to these challenges and secure funds to address loss and damage. However, the vision of achieving self-reliance through agriculture and harnessing the potential of the youthful population remains elusive. Developed countries have been reluctant to fulfill their pledges and collaborate with developing nations to restructure financial systems that can effectively address Africa’s food security issues.
Sustainable agriculture is seen as a critical step toward achieving food sovereignty and resolving the hunger crisis. As World Food Day is celebrated, it’s crucial to note that the agriculture sector is prominent in Africa, as millions of small-scale farmers rely on farming for their livelihoods. Improved yields in this sector can significantly boost the continent’s economy.
A 2022 FAO report indicates that hunger affects up to 278 million people in Africa, with some regions facing severe food insecurity while others experience moderate levels of it.
Amy Thorp, a senior climate adaptation and resilience policy advisor at Power Shift Africa, emphasizes the need to focus on various aspects of food security, not just production.
“This World Food Day offers us an opportunity to not only reflect but also to widen our focus and consider availability, and accessibility (both economic and physical) to sufficient, safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food if we are to build resilience for African small-scale farmers thus empowering local food systems,” said Thorp.
