The Special Advisor to the AUDA-NEPAD CEO on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri, says the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) Declaration is crucial to achieving food and nutrition security in Africa. The declaration, if implemented, could eliminate malnutrition, stunting, and wasting across the continent. Dr. Musafiri made these remarks at the 17th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) held in Nairobi. He emphasized the need to address hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
The Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security, declared by African Union Heads of State and Government, is observed annually on October 30. This day serves as a reminder of the need for the continent to ensure food security. Dr. Musafiri stated that the day is an opportunity for partners, governments, and institutions to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. The goal is to break the cycle of hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Africa has over 310 million people who are still hungry, and addressing this issue is a top priority.
Dr. Musafiri highlighted the need to increase food production by 45% in the next 10 years while promoting healthy and nutritious foods and diets. This can be achieved by using sustainable water resources and moving from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated agriculture. Water is essential for food production, hygiene, and cooking. Dr. Musafiri emphasized that production alone is not enough; people need to learn how to eat healthy. The theme of the meeting, "Harnessing Sustainable Water for Resilient Agrifood Systems, Nutrition Security and Inclusive Prosperity in Africa," reflects Africa's abundant water resources.
The Kampala Declaration aims to reduce post-harvest losses by 50% and eliminate malnutrition, stunting, and wasting among the African population to less than 30% in the next 10 years. Dr. Musafiri stressed the importance of coordination among players in the agriculture and food value chain to achieve these goals. The African Union has designated October 30 as the continental day for food and nutrition security. This day serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to address hunger and malnutrition.
Dr. Musafiri noted that Africa is well-endowed with water, which can be used to produce more food if managed sustainably. He called for better coordination among stakeholders to deliver results and ensure an Africa free from hunger. The 17th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security was held in Nairobi, bringing together partners, governments, and institutions to discuss progress and challenges. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of food and nutrition security in Africa.
The African population faces significant challenges related to hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Dr. Musafiri emphasized that addressing these issues requires collective action and coordination among stakeholders. The Kampala Declaration provides a framework for achieving food and nutrition security in Africa. Its implementation is crucial to reducing post-harvest losses and promoting healthy and nutritious foods and diets.
The implementation of the Kampala Declaration requires commitment and coordination from all stakeholders. Dr. Musafiri stressed that Africa needs to work together to address hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. The continent has the potential to produce enough food to feed its population, but it requires sustainable and coordinated efforts. The Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to achieve food and nutrition security in Africa.
Key points
- Implementation of the Kampala Declaration could eliminate malnutrition, stunting and wasting across Africa.
- The African Union has designated October 30 as the continental day for food and nutrition security.
- Dr. Ildephonse Musafiri calls for better coordination among players in the agriculture and food value chain.
