Africa possesses the necessary resources to attain food self-sufficiency
In Africa, a hunger crisis is unfolding amidst the continent's wealth, arable land, and abundant human resources. This crisis is primarily due to the combined effects of conflicts, trade tensions, and climate change, which disrupt food production, supply chains, and economic stability.
Conflicts and wars destabilize regions, destroying agricultural infrastructure and displacing populations, cutting off food production and distribution. Trade tensions and economic disruptions since around 2018 have led to increased tariffs and supply chain shocks, raising food prices globally and impacting African markets heavily dependent on imports or exports.
Climate change is another significant factor, causing severe droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events that damage crops and livestock. For instance, southern Africa has experienced severe drought, dramatically reducing water availability and crop yields, such as a 70% drop in corn production in Zimbabwe, leading to doubled food prices and heightened food insecurity.
Small-scale farmers, who produce the majority of Africa's food supply, receive less than 1% of the climate finance necessary to adapt to climate shocks, lacking resources to maintain or increase productivity under changing conditions. Structural issues such as entrenched poverty, especially in rural areas, unequal land ownership and agricultural investment, and systemic inequities further hinder the capacity of many communities to convert arable land and human labor into sustainable food security.
The hunger crisis is affecting over 300 million people in 2024, with Africa potentially accounting for almost 60% of the world's hungry population. The Democratic Republic of Congo, rich in minerals, key biodiversity, and soils, is also fighting and experiencing hunger.
The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, with many countries borrowing money without proper parliamentary approval. Corruption also thrives amidst the chaos and instability.
However, there are solutions. Africa's food systems should incorporate local knowledge, rather than being dictated by external markets. Smallholder farmers, women, and youth must be actively and adequately involved in decision-making processes. African leaders must demand debt relief to invest more in agriculture and nutrition, maintaining their sovereignty.
Retaining the youth around farms in Africa can be achieved by making agriculture more profitable and attractive. Africa needs fair and accessible climate finance, with adaptation as a priority, to address the climate crisis. Increased climate adaptation finances, proper management, and distribution are necessary to save the most vulnerable communities from losses and damage.
Recently, the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on climate justice and economic accountability. This summit underscores the urgency for action to address Africa's hunger crisis.
The writer is a contributing editor at Mongabay.
- The hunger crisis in Africa, exacerbated by conflicts, trade tensions, and climate change, highlights the need for local knowledge and active involvement of smallholder farmers, women, and youth in decision-making processes related to food systems.
- Climate change, causing severe droughts and extreme weather events, poses a significant threat to food security in Africa, with small-scale farmers, who produce the majority of the food supply, receiving less than 1% of the climate finance necessary to adapt to climate shocks.
- In the face of the pressing hunger crisis, which affects over 300 million people in 2024, African leaders should demand debt relief to invest more in agriculture and nutrition, maintaining their sovereignty and ensuring fair and accessible climate finance with adaptation as a priority.
- Africa's environmental-science and political spheres must address climate change and promote sustainable farming practices to protect the continent's arable land, human resources, and general-news reporting should focus on these issues to inform the public and raise awareness.
