FOOD SECURITY

FOOD SYSTEMS IN AFRICA: IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEMS AND ADDRESSING THEM

INTRODUCTION

The food system is made up of all activities to do with the production, transport, and consumption of food. Some experts have expressed that there are problems with the current food system in Africa. One such expert is Million Belay Ali. He is a member of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa. He also has a Ph.D. in environmental learning. Most of the information in this article has come from one of his recent presentations.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT CHALLENGES FOR THE FOOD SYSTEM IN AFRICA?

In many parts of Africa, the food system is experiencing multiple issues. There has been a recent population explosion (a large increase in population), meaning more food is needed. Human activities have resulted in a loss in biodiversity and have helped to worsen the climate crisis. Human environmental impact has made the food crisis worse. Finally, the food system is controlled by a small group of people.

WHAT IS CAUSING THESE ISSUES?

Currently, the main aim of the food system in Africa is to produce as much food as possible. This results in the use of chemicals and the planting of high-yield varieties of crops (plants that produce a lot of food). Both of these practices reduce biodiversity and cause other environmental issues. According to Million Belay Ali, we need to have a different mindset to create a better food system.

HOW CAN WE SOLVE THESE ISSUES?

Million Belay Ali suggests that we need to create a food system. This alternative needs to produce more healthy food, not negatively affect the environment and be culturally appropriate.

He believes that the right to food should be a very important aspect of this system. Agroecology is the approach he recommends.

WHAT IS AGROECOLOGY?

Agroecology is a way of bringing change that results in sustainability and restoration in all parts of the food system. It is scientific, practical and it is a social justice movement. This approach encourages the use of methods that are friendly to the environment.

One method is the harvesting of rainwater. Another recommendation is the planting of more trees around farms. According to a report by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, when Agroecology is used, there are many benefits. Farmers receive more income, more food is produced and more of the food system is under local control.

ARE THERE ANY CURRENT EXAMPLES OF AGROECOLOGY?

In Malawi, there is an organization called Never Ending Food. It fights for the use of agricultural practices that copy nature. They have a plot of land which is 1.2 hectares in size and provides year-round access to food, medicine, fuel, and other grown goods. The organization has also propagated its ideas across the country. Their ideas have been implemented in 40 primary schools and 10 teacher development centers.

CONCLUSION

Despite the challenges that the food system faces in Africa, there are community-based solutions that are beneficial to both people and the climate. These solutions must be promoted and implemented to ensure we have an efficient food system in Africa.

 

Leah Rich

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