News in Brief:
– Hunger levels in Africa have surged to 19.7%, twice the global rate, with 868 million Africans lacking access to adequate food.
– FAO emphasises the importance of strategic partnerships, greater investments, and digital technologies to drive efficiency and productivity in Africa’s agriculture sectors.
At the 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Ministerial Conference for Africa (ARC33), QU Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO, emphasised the urgent need for strategic partnerships, greater investments, and the harnessing of digital technologies to drive efficiency and productivity in Africa’s agriculture sectors.
Hunger in Africa soared to 19.7% in 2022, twice the global rate, affecting 868 million Africans. Shockingly, 61% of the population lacked access to adequate food. Despite this grim reality, hunger rates vary significantly within Africa, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Morocco exemplifies proactive measures, with Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch highlighting substantial investments in irrigation, water efficiency, and agrifood initiatives. The country’s Green Generation plan, championed by King Mohammed VI, underscores the importance of investment in farming.
FAO’s strategic framework emphasises four pillars: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. These are not just aspirations but a call to action, driving FAO’s innovative initiatives across the continent.
The food organisation’s innovative projects, such as drone delivery of livestock germ cells in Rwanda and organic fertiliser production from food waste in Côte d’Ivoire, showcase the power of technology in transforming agriculture.
Despite challenges, Africa’s rapid economic growth and the emergence of a continental free trade area present immense opportunities. FAO’s initiatives, including the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and digitalisation efforts, highlight a commitment to empowering local communities and fostering sustainable agriculture.
