Child undernutrition is emerging as one of the gravest challenges facing Africa’s economies, sapping between 1.9% and 16.5% of the continent’s GDP, according to recent findings from the African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD). While malnutrition manifests in various forms undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and even rising obesity rates it has fueled an increase in noncommunicable diseases across the continent. In a recent address, Estherine Lisinge-Fotabong, Director of Agriculture, Food Security, and Environmental Sustainability at AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized the urgency of this issue, which threatens Africa’s economic and social progress by hampering human development and potential.
Fotabong’s remarks were made at the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) Commemoration and the 20th Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform in Harare, Zimbabwe. At this event, Fotabong shed light on the paradox of global food production: despite producing enough food to feed the entire world, a staggering one-third of it goes to waste. For Africa, where nearly one in five people suffer from hunger, this statistic is a painful reminder of the systemic challenges plaguing food security on the continent.
Economic Impact of Undernutrition and the Triple Burden of Malnutrition
Undernutrition, often an unseen crisis, leaves lasting impacts on individual and national economic health. The “Cost of Hunger in Africa” study underscores that child undernutrition alone costs Africa billions each year, ultimately stifling economic growth. Undernourished children face developmental delays, lower educational attainment, and reduced productivity in adulthood. This creates a cycle of poverty that limits economic growth and development across generations.
Malnutrition in Africa extends beyond undernutrition, presenting what experts call the “triple burden” of malnutrition, which includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and a growing prevalence of obesity and overweight conditions. This triple burden does not only impact health; it severely hampers economic and social progress by increasing the healthcare burden, limiting workforce productivity, and affecting the quality of life of millions of Africans.
Causes of Food Waste and the Need for Structural Reforms
One major reason for Africa’s food insecurity, Fotabong noted, is the lack of efficient infrastructure and practices to prevent food waste. Inadequate transportation infrastructure, poor harvesting practices, and insufficient post-harvest management are key factors leading to massive food loss. This issue is particularly evident in rural areas where farmers lack access to markets, storage facilities, and transportation networks. Strengthening infrastructure and post-harvest practices is essential for reducing food waste, enhancing food availability, and improving food security.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. As Fotabong pointed out, while the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to eradicate hunger by 2025, Africa is unlikely to meet this target under current conditions. The business-as-usual approach has proven inadequate, and only a shift towards more efficient, innovative, and targeted actions will enable Africa to tackle hunger and achieve food security. This shift must prioritize the needs of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of African agriculture and contribute to over 70% of the food supply in many regions.
Strengthening Institutions and Creating Conducive Policies
Fotabong emphasized the need for a conducive political environment to effectively combat malnutrition. Policies across various sectors agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability must be aligned and integrated to address food and nutrition challenges. For example, nutrition-sensitive agricultural policies could promote the production of diverse, nutrient-rich foods rather than focusing solely on calorie output.
However, policies alone are not enough; implementation is key. Fotabong called on African Union (AU) member states to address institutional inefficiencies and enhance the effectiveness of food and nutrition-sensitive actions. This involves strengthening systemic capacities to ensure that policies are not only enacted but also effectively implemented. Governments must establish robust regulatory environments, prioritize investments in agriculture and nutrition, and create accountability mechanisms to ensure that the intended impacts of these policies are realized on the ground.
Integrating Climate Change into Africa’s Food Security Agenda
Africa’s agrifood systems are uniquely vulnerable to climate change, with increasing droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns directly impacting food production. To achieve sustainable food security, AUDA-NEPAD advises addressing the complex interplay between climate change and agriculture. Climate-smart agriculture, which includes practices such as conservation agriculture, crop diversification, and water-efficient irrigation systems, can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on African food systems. By adopting these practices, farmers can increase their resilience, maintain productivity, and ensure a more stable food supply, even under adverse climate conditions.
In addition to climate adaptation, Africa must prioritize climate mitigation strategies. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by improving livestock management, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and preventing deforestation.
Multi-Sectoral Approach to Address Food Security and Nutrition Challenges
Fotabong highlighted the importance of a multi-sectoral approach, pointing to the AUDA-NEPAD Nutrition and Food Systems Strategic Programme as a model for catalyzing cross-sectoral collaboration. This program brings together various stakeholders from agriculture, health, education, and other sectors to work towards shared goals of improving nutrition and food security. Collaboration across sectors is critical because malnutrition and food insecurity are multifaceted issues that require comprehensive solutions.
For instance, integrating nutrition into school curricula can raise awareness among young Africans about healthy eating and the importance of balanced diets. Similarly, strengthening the connection between agriculture and nutrition in public health programs can ensure that food produced is not only sufficient in quantity but also rich in essential nutrients. By maximizing synergies between different sectors, Africa can tackle malnutrition and food insecurity in a more holistic and sustainable manner.
Supporting Smallholder Farmers and Enhancing Market Access
Smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of Africa’s agricultural workforce, are crucial to achieving food security on the continent. However, they often lack access to resources such as quality seeds, modern farming equipment, and financial services. By supporting smallholders through targeted investments, capacity building, and access to affordable financial services, Africa can empower these farmers to produce more nutritious food, reduce food insecurity, and drive rural economic development.
Strengthening market access for smallholder farmers is equally important. Platforms that connect farmers to local and regional markets can help them earn fair prices for their produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance food availability. Additionally, regional integration initiatives can facilitate the movement of food supplies across borders, ensuring that surplus food in one country can reach areas facing food shortages in neighboring regions.
Practical Solutions and Long-Term Vision for a Resilient Agrifood System
Fotabong pointed to the transformative impact of initiatives like Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programs as an example of how well-planned interventions can evolve from local initiatives to continent-wide programs. HGSF programs not only provide children with nutritious meals but also support local farmers, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. Such initiatives demonstrate that, with careful planning and investment, Africa can transform its agrifood systems to meet the needs of its population sustainably.
The journey towards a food-secure Africa requires an unwavering commitment to both immediate actions and long-term solutions. AUDA-NEPAD advocates for policies that are fit-for-purpose, knowledge-driven, and investment-backed. When coupled with robust regulatory environments, these policies can catalyze significant changes in Africa’s agrifood systems.
Conclusion: Building a Food-Secure Future for Africa
To combat the pervasive issues of undernutrition and malnutrition, Africa must embrace a holistic, collaborative, and forward-thinking approach to food security. Institutional reforms, climate-smart agriculture, and support for smallholder farmers are essential steps. By integrating food and nutrition considerations into every aspect of policy, from agriculture to education to climate action, Africa can unlock a future where all citizens have access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food.
The need for urgency is clear. Africa has the resources, the will, and the roadmap to transform its agrifood systems. Now is the time to act, not only to eliminate hunger and malnutrition but to build a healthier, more prosperous continent for current and future generations.
