Africa’s food insecurity crisis will be the focus of a conference in Cape Town that will bring together 800 delegates from governments and the private sector in order to promote investment in agriculture.
The African Agri Investment Indaba, set for 18-20 November in Cape Town, comes at a time when urgent action is needed to address Africa’s unmet nutritional needs and transform its agrifood systems, Bizcommunity reports.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), despite the continent’s agricultural potential, 282 million people remain undernourished and over a billion lack access to healthy diets. The crisis has escalated since the Covid-19 pandemic, with hunger levels rising by 57 million.
South Africa is regarded as food secure at a national level, but food insecurity persists on a household level. Research has found that most households (58.1%) survive on nutrient-poor food, due to fresh food often being too expensive or inaccessible.
Investments in agriculture are crucial for increasing productivity, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable practices, all of which contribute to combating hunger across Africa, Bizcommunity said.
By connecting investors with project owners across the continent, the Indaba aims to facilitate partnerships that drive these investments.
“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,” comments Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council.
Investment into Africa’s agriculture sector can reduce 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, Bizcommunity said.
