Ruto Calls for Tailored Agricultural Systems to Address Africa’s Hunger Crisis

In a passionate address at the World Without Hunger Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President William Ruto emphasized the urgency of developing tailored agricultural systems across Africa to combat hunger and achieve food security. Ruto’s speech came at a critical time when the global food security situation is dire, and millions of people, especially in Africa, are grappling with the threat of hunger.

Ruto’s message was clear: Africa must invest aggressively in food production, focusing on creating sustainable agricultural systems tailored to meet the unique needs of each community. He pointed out that the continent’s diverse climatic conditions, cultural practices, and farming systems mean that a one-size-fits-all approach will not suffice. Instead, the African continent must develop localized solutions that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change, erratic weather patterns, and rising food prices.

“The stark condition of the global food security situation demonstrates that we are considerably off-track,” Ruto said, highlighting the fact that the world is unlikely to meet the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger without a radical turnaround in strategy. The President stressed that only bold, collective actions targeting the root causes of hunger would provide a way out of the crisis.

One of the central tenets of Ruto’s address was the need for prioritizing strategies that build resilient food systems. According to the 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, 733 million people globally faced hunger in 2023, with Africa bearing the brunt of this crisis. In fact, one in five people in Africa suffers from hunger, a statistic that underscores the continent’s vulnerability to food insecurity.

In order to address this, Ruto called for investments in agricultural education as a critical part of the solution. By equipping farmers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools, Africa can enhance its agricultural productivity and resilience. This is especially important in the face of climate change, which has emerged as the most significant threat to food security. Erratic weather fluctuations, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods are disrupting food production across the continent, exacerbating the already fragile food systems.

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“By investing in agricultural education, we will be able to equip farmers with the skills they need to be efficient, innovative, and adaptive,” Ruto stated. This, he believes, would help farmers become more resilient in the face of climate challenges. Furthermore, educating farmers can foster innovative solutions to adapt to changing environmental conditions, ensuring that agriculture remains a viable source of sustenance for millions of people.

Ruto also called for a collective approach to addressing the threat of hunger, urging African leaders and international partners to mobilize resources and take unified action against climate risks to food production. The President emphasized that partnerships and collaboration beyond policy-making were essential in securing substantial commitments for tangible action.

In addition to the challenges posed by climate change, the global food crisis is compounded by rising costs of food and the fact that over 2.8 billion people worldwide cannot afford a healthy diet. This situation is particularly alarming in countries such as Burundi, Chad, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen, where hunger and malnutrition are at alarming levels.

Africa’s path to food security requires a multifaceted approach that combines local agricultural solutions, robust investment in education, and strong international partnerships. Ruto’s call to action aims to encourage nations to look beyond policy declarations and invest in concrete, sustainable solutions that will ensure food security for future generations.

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In conclusion, the continent’s future lies in investing in its agricultural potential. Only through bold, collective action, and the development of context-specific agricultural systems can Africa hope to end hunger and achieve lasting food security. As President Ruto aptly put it, “It is time for us to deploy the power of our partnerships beyond policy-making to securing substantial commitments in pursuit of tangible actions.