Driving investments to combat Africa's food insecurity and achieve Zero Hunger by 2030

18-09-24 / Duty Editor

Driving investments to combat Africa's food insecurity and achieve Zero Hunger by 2030

Cape Town - Africa faces a severe food insecurity crisis despite its vast agricultural potential. According to Food and Agriculture Association reports, 282 million people are undernourished, and over a billion cannot afford a healthy diet. The situation is worsened by climate change, conflict, and economic challenges, leading to widespread malnutrition, with 30% of children under five affected.

The crisis has escalated since the COVID-19 pandemic, with hunger levels rising by 57 million. Climate extremes, high food costs, and inadequate food systems further hamper efforts to meet UN's Sustainable Development Goals 2 of zero hunger by 2030.

In SA, which is regarded as food secure at a national level, food insecurity still persists on a household level with some people still going to bed hungry or eating only once or twice a day. Research has further found that most households (58.1%) survive on nutrient-poor food groups, due to fresh food often being too expensive or inaccessible. Such food deserts are not only prevalent in rural but also urban settings, where people have an overreliance on fast food.

Urgent action is needed to address Africa's unmet nutritional needs and transform its agrifood systems. Climate resilience, improved access to healthy diets, and significant investment in agriculture are essential to reversing the trend. Africa remains off-track to meet global hunger and nutrition targets, making sustainable agriculture and food security a critical priority.

Investment into Africa's agriculture sector can play a transformative role in reducing hunger across the continent by improving food production, creating sustainable livelihoods, and addressing systemic inefficiencies. With better access to modern farming tools, technologies, and high-quality inputs, farmers can increase crop yields and enhance food availability. Investments in infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, also help reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food reaches markets efficiently, making nutritious food more affordable.

Additionally, by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and building climate resilience, investment protects food production from extreme weather events. Job creation in farming and agribusiness further boosts rural economies, while improved market access and financial support for smallholders drive economic growth. Together, these efforts enhance food security and help Africa move closer to eradicating hunger by 2030.

The African Agri Investment Indaba, organised by the African Agri Council, is a key platform in the fight against food insecurity, advancing the mission of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030. The event highlights Africa's food crisis and promotes actionable solutions to address these challenges. By connecting investors with project owners across the continent, the Indaba facilitates impactful partnerships that drive much-needed investment into agriculture. These investments are crucial for increasing productivity, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable practices, all of which contribute to combating hunger across Africa.

"The Indaba is a networking powerhouse, bringing together governments, financiers, agribusinesses, and development agencies. It encourages partnerships that are focused on sustainability by promoting investment in technologies, regenerative agriculture, and food systems that are resilient to climate change" commented Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council.