WE NEED bold actions TO CREATE FOOD SECURITY

We are living in a new, unpredictable environment of heightened geopolitical tensions. Some organisations that have, for some time, assisted Africa in its efforts to strengthen food security are under strain.

One such organisation is the World Food Programme (WFP). This comes after the US administration decided to downsize the US Agency for International Development (USAID), an organisation that provided roughly half the WFP’s budget.

This should serve as a wake-up call to African governments to seriously improve their agricultural production. Although we are a continent with an abundance of land, many countries have not yet managed to farm productively at scale, for a number of reasons. These include weak land governance, inadequate infrastructure, lack of funding, and conflict in some regions.

THE WFP’S ROLE AND NEW RISKS TO FOOD SECURITY.

Few countries in southern Africa typically produce a surplus of staple grains. In most seasons, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania are the primary producers with a surplus for export. Others, like Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique, typically import grains.

While imports are handled, in part, by the private sector, in times of crisis – whether caused by droughts or floods – the WFP assists. The organisation also assists when food supplies are low, usually between November and March, before the new harvest season begins. Those countries with a surplus then sell and export their grains, and the WFP is one of the buyers that distributes food parcels to vulnerable communities.

Now, the WFP is closing some of its offices in southern Africa and will operate with a reduced staff out of Nairobi, Kenya. On the face of it, such a move would not be a worry, especially if they continue with their aid efforts regardless of where they are based.

Indeed, a WFP spokesperson reiterated their position in The Guardian by saying: “Our commitment to serving vulnerable communities is as strong as ever and WFP remains committed to ensuring our operations are as effective and efficient as possible in meeting the needs of those facing hunger”.

This is encouraging, but the considerable reduction in the organisation’s funding raises concern that this commitment may not hold for the long term. For now, it is reasonable to assume that if the funding cuts remain, there will be risks for countries like Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, and Syria.

African leaders must develop agriculture

However, the food insecurity challenge in Africa should not necessarily be an American problem. It is a challenge we must confront to find ways for Africa to strengthen its position. Our leaders must act to develop our agriculture sector – a point that is regularly highlighted at policy conferences.

The G20 and B20 conversations in South Africa could be a starting point for reframing the narrative about Africa’s agriculture, as well as outlining practical steps for improving productivity and our contribution to global food security. The themes of these conversations are ambitious and speak to core issues, including the need to increase investment in climate-resilient agricultural storage, transport, and processing infrastructure.

Seizing the moment for agricultural transformation

These are complex policy matters, each requiring a shift in mindset as well as detailed analysis and focused programmes. But over time, if implemented, they could free the African continent from its dependence on food aid and place it on a path of prosperity and improved food security.

The WFP’s likely weaknesses and geopolitical tensions should serve as a lesson for us all in Africa to wake up and drive the continent’s agricultural development and food security. As we do so, we will also tackle joblessness and increase our contribution to global food security and exports.