The Africa Food Systems Forum 2024, held in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the continent to discuss one of the most pressing challenges: how to feed a rapidly growing population while ensuring sustainability. The discussions were far-reaching, covering topics from climate-smart agriculture to food sovereignty. What stood out, however, was the recognition that while progress has been made, there are still significant steps that governments and policymakers need to take to mobilise the resources required for a resilient and sustainable food system.
Several critical insights emerged from the forum that offer a roadmap for the continent’s food security strategy.
1. Innovation is central to agricultural transformation: Technology and innovation were at the forefront of many conversations. Whether it’s the use of digital tools to improve farmers' access to markets or the development of climate-resilient crops, the consensus is clear: Africa's agricultural sector will not thrive without embracing cutting-edge solutions. As Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, noted, "Africa must invest in the knowledge and technology that will drive the next agricultural revolution.”
2. Public-Private Partnerships are Key: Governments alone cannot address the continent’s food security challenges. The private sector, particularly agribusinesses and financial institutions, has a pivotal role to play in driving investment and innovation. Collaboration is essential to scale solutions and unlock funding. The forum emphasised that governments need to create enabling environments for these partnerships to thrive, including improving access to finance, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and fostering transparency
3. Sustainability and climate action are non-negotiable: Climate change remains a persistent threat to Africa’s food systems. From erratic weather patterns to prolonged droughts, the forum highlighted the need for urgent climate adaptation strategies. Discussions around agroecology, regenerative farming, and green infrastructure underscored that African food systems must evolve in ways that not only increase production but also protect ecosystems. Governments were urged to adopt policies that support climate-smart agricultural practices while mobilising global climate financing for local farmers.
Next steps for governments
The next steps from the Africa Food Systems Forum require concrete action, particularly from governments across the continent. While the challenges are immense, the opportunities are equally significant if governments play their part.
1. Mobilize domestic resources: One of the recurrent themes was the need for African governments to increase domestic investment in agriculture. While foreign aid and international funding remain important, there is a growing consensus that Africa must lead in financing its own agricultural transformation. Governments can achieve this through the reallocation of national budgets to prioritise agricultural development, particularly in research and infrastructure. According to James Thurlow in his book Agriculture and Structural Transformation, "Agriculture is a long-term game that requires long-term investments.” Governments must commit to multi-year funding plans that are shielded from political cycles.
2. Strengthen regional cooperation: No country can tackle food security in isolation. As highlighted during the forum, regional collaboration is critical for building resilient food systems. Governments need to strengthen existing frameworks, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to ensure that food and agricultural products can move seamlessly across borders. This not only ensures food availability but also opens up markets for African farmers, thereby incentivising production.
3. Incentivise the private sector: To truly mobilize resources, African governments must create incentives for private sector investments in agriculture. This could include tax breaks for agribusinesses, subsidies for sustainable farming practices, or easier access to loans and credit for smallholder farmers. Governments must also address regulatory bottlenecks that hamper innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. Michael Kremer, in Development Economics, emphasizes that "policymakers need to reduce the risks for private investors through smart, well-designed incentives.”
Prospects for the future
The prospects for Africa’s food systems are promising, provided that there is a sustained effort to implement the lessons from the Africa Food Systems Forum. By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to double, and food demand will grow accordingly. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right investments in technology, infrastructure, and human capital, Africa has the potential to not only feed itself but become a global agricultural powerhouse.
The forum was a call to action, particularly for governments. Mobilising resources for agriculture must become a top priority, and this requires bold, forward-thinking leadership. The need for long-term investment in agricultural research, rural infrastructure, and sustainable practices cannot be overstated. If governments can rise to the occasion and fully engage the private sector and regional partners, Africa can build resilient food systems capable of withstanding future shocks.
JP Fabri is an applied economist.