FAO Emphasizes Game-Changing Solutions as Imperative for Africa’s Food Transformation

Without game-changing solutions, increased investments in subsistence farmers, the adoption of new technology, and new partnerships at all levels, a comprehensive transformation of Africa’s agrifood systems will not be possible.
The Interdepartmental Task Force on African Affairs (IDTFAA) organised a high-level special engagement on the food sovereignty and resilience of Africa in conjunction with the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment.

Representatives from governments, the United Nations, the African Union, and others discussed how to capitalise on the momentum for the Africa-led transformation of agrifood systems – the entire food production industry from farm to fork – to make them more efficient, inclusive, and resilient.

The Director-General of the FAO, QU Dongyu, praised Africa’s strengths, which are supported by its human and natural resources, and added that for the continent to realise its maximum potential, game-changing action is required.

Investing in social development, particularly adolescents, women, and smallholder farmers, was a top priority, according to him.

In addition, he emphasised the need for a transition to digital agriculture on the continent, noting that FAO has launched the 1000 Digital Village Initiative.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations also spoke at an event titled Healthy and Protected Oceans, highlighting the importance of protecting marine environments and coastal ecosystems.

Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, spoke at the event and addressed the necessity of strengthening domestic resources, investing in climate action, and repairing the global financial architecture.

The deputy secretary-general of the United Nations also spoke at an event titled Healthy and Protected Oceans, highlighting the importance of protecting marine environments and littoral ecosystems.

“Pollution, overfishing, overexploitation, acidification, and the effects of climate change and rising sea surface temperatures disrupt the ocean’s vital functions, jeopardise its biodiversity, and deplete its resources, which are essential to people and the planet alike.”

She stated that the ocean’s challenges, coupled with the economic and environmental burdens of small island nations, constitute a “imminent threat.”

The inflationary dilemma

“For vulnerable individuals, the consequences are all too imminent. Between June and September 2022, for instance, nearly 94% of small island developing states experienced food inflation rates above 5%, with many experiencing double-digit inflation.”

Children, women, and those living below the poverty line would be harmed the most by the lack of access to nutritious food, she emphasised.

Together, let us recognise the urgency of protecting our oceans and coastal ecosystems, ensuring the future of food systems in small island developing states, and crafting a path towards a more sustainable and equitable world for the benefit of all people.