Food safety: A catalyst for Africa's agrifood growth

Africa's agrifood sector is on the brink of significant growth, with the continent's agricultural market projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. However, amidst this promising outlook, the critical issue of food safety continues to loom large. CNBC AFRICA's Derrick Muhangi sat down with Eleonora Dupouy, Food Safety And Quality Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to shed light on the pivotal role of food safety infrastructure in catalyzing growth and competitiveness in Africa's agrifood sector. According to Dupouy, the agri-food system is in need of a transformative overhaul to become more efficient, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. The integration of these elements is crucial to ensure that agricultural systems can serve the needs of people, the economy, and the environment. A key aspect of this transformation is enhancing food safety standards throughout the entire value chain. Dupouy emphasized that food safety is a fundamental component of both food security and the promotion of healthy diets. Without adequate food safety measures in place, achieving nutritional objectives and ensuring food security remain unattainable. She stressed that every stage of food production, starting from primary production, must uphold stringent safety protocols, including the use of safe water, seeds, fertilizers, and animal feed. The implementation of robust food safety measures is essential to guarantee that all products entering the food value chain are safe for consumption. In addition to enhancing food safety standards, investing in infrastructure is crucial to reducing food losses and waste within the agrifood system. Dupouy highlighted the importance of developing essential infrastructure such as quality roads to connect production sites with markets efficiently, as well as warehouses and refrigeration facilities to extend the shelf life of perishable goods. By reducing food losses, resources, energy, and labor can be conserved, ultimately driving down production costs and making food more affordable for consumers. The promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the agrifood sector is essential for fostering growth and competitiveness. However, these enterprises often face challenges related to access to investment and capital, hindering their ability to implement food safety measures. Dupouy emphasized that an initial focus on implementing good hygiene practices is paramount for SMEs. By adhering to proper agricultural and hygiene practices, producers can mitigate risks associated with food contamination and ensure the safety of their products. Practices such as hand washing, temperature control, and the use of clean water are crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the food supply chain. Understanding the specific hazards present in different production processes and implementing control measures is vital in ensuring the final product is safe for consumption. By investing in food safety infrastructure and promoting good hygiene practices, Africa's agrifood sector can position itself for sustainable growth, improved competitiveness, and enhanced food security.