Africa needs a regional approach to bolster food security

African countries are at a critical juncture in their quest for food security, with annual food imports exceeding $100 billion. The African Union (AU) has taken note of this concerning pattern and is advocating for a regional approach to bolster food security and drive agricultural transformation across the continent. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, the AU Special Envoy on Food Systems, shared insights on the importance of enhancing productivity, promoting sustainable food systems, and reducing food imports to boost earnings for rural and urban farmers. Dr. Mayaki emphasized the need for a strategic framework to guide food system transformation in Africa over the next decade. He highlighted the evolution of agricultural development programs in Africa, from the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program (ADEP) in Maputo to the Malabo Declaration in 2014, which recognized the multi-sectoral dimensions of agriculture. The focus has now shifted to food systems, encompassing production, agro-processing, farmer support, trade, and infrastructure issues. The interview delved into the challenges posed by climate change, which has adversely impacted food supply and led to food price spikes in recent years. Dr. Mayaki outlined three critical pillars for addressing these challenges: governance of food systems, linking food and economic policies to address inequality, and promoting regional trade to enhance food sovereignty. He underscored the importance of political prioritization by governments in tackling food insecurity and ensuring access to nutritious food for the growing population. One of the key concerns raised was the aging demographic of African farmers, with the average age currently at 65 years, while the continent's median age is only 19 years. Dr. Mayaki stressed the need to attract the youth to agriculture and agribusiness by implementing policies that provide support and incentives for young farmers. He highlighted the potential for youth engagement in transforming the rural economy and driving productivity growth to meet the targets set by the CADEP. To achieve this vision, Dr. Mayaki outlined three crucial steps: redirecting government support towards farmers and rural economy transformation, making agriculture a viable business through agribusiness development, and addressing factors like energy and infrastructure that impact food systems. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between governments, the private sector, and farmers' organizations to collectively design and implement effective policies that drive sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth. In conclusion, Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki's insights shed light on the path forward for Africa's food system transformation. By adopting a regional approach, prioritizing youth engagement, and fostering strategic partnerships, African countries can pave the way for enhanced food security, increased productivity, and reduced reliance on food imports.