Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-04-08 09:49:53
Africa is a continent that holds the key to moving towards a world free from hunger and poverty. It is in Africa where enormous gains can be made, and agrifood systems transformation is the definitive foundation for the continent to realize sustainable development and modernization. This month, Ministers of Agriculture from across Africa will meet in Morocco for the 33rd Session of the FAO Regional Ministerial Conference for Africa (ARC33) from 18-20 April. It is a pivotal moment for collective action, and it is urged that African nations seize the momentum of agrifood systems transformation to unlock benefits across food security and nutrition, the economy and equality, the environment and resilience.
At FAO, the strategic vision for the years ahead has been outlined through the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031 which centers on the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The Four Betters are not just a vision; they are a call to action. They are the pathways through which countries can transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable to deliver on the commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals and the post-Malabo agenda.
Encouraging better production through means such as mechanization, digitalization, agrifood industrialization, and green-powered irrigation can boost productivity and efficiency, and enhance resilience to the climate crisis in African nations. More than one billion Africans cannot afford a healthy diet, which is simply unacceptable. By encouraging better nutrition, FAO is working with countries and other partners to make healthy diets affordable and accessible for all.
A better environment is essential for Africa’s living conditions and long-term future. Actions such as those under the Great Green Wall and FAO’s Green Cities Initiative are helping to reclaim degraded land, promote sustainable land use, adapt to the climate crisis, and support sustainable urban food systems. A better life for all can be achieved through addressing forced migration, inclusive rural transformation, women’s empowerment, and creating meaningful work opportunities with and for Africa’s youth. By leaving no one behind, a more equitable and prosperous Africa can be built for everyone.
Africa is a continent of tremendous opportunity with the potential to dominate the list of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds the promise of boosting intra-African trade and stimulating economic growth even further. The continent is rich in natural resources, has the largest share of arable land, and its growing youth population holds vast yet not fully realized capabilities, particularly as agents of change and early adopters of technologies and innovations.
Conflict remains a major obstacle to progress, and peace and stability are essential for sustainable development. FAO is committed to supporting efforts to reduce conflicts and build resilience in the face of adversity. By addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty, the groundwork for lasting peace and prosperity can be laid. Peace is a prerequisite for food security, and the Right to Food is a basic human right.
The climate crisis cannot be ignored, and agrifood systems transformation offers an opportunity to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate and reverse some of the damage already done. The FAO Regional Ministerial Conference for Africa provides a continental platform for African governments to share their perspectives and experiences in implementing agrifood systems transformation and building capacity.
Morocco stands as an inspiration in this area, demonstrating remarkable progress in advancing the agricultural sector as a key driver of economic growth. Its modernization and diversification of agricultural production exemplify its leadership in the region. To course correct in Africa, it requires doing things differently. Solutions from science, digital technology, and innovation offer exciting potential. Success requires a collective effort from governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, UN partners, and local communities.
Strategic partnerships and greater investments are crucial, and through FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative, strategic partnerships between countries and investors are being brokered to unblock bottlenecks in agricultural production and trade. In the last biennium, FAO mobilized more than USD 900 million for agrifood systems in Africa, more than 60% above the target. This biennium, even higher aims are set.
Africa presents two faces to the world: one characterized by stereotypes of poverty and hunger, and the other, an authentic reflection of a richly diverse and vibrant continent. By harnessing the power of science and technology, enabling policies, and responsible investment, African nations can unlock the true face of the continent: a land of abundance, resilience, dynamic, and opportunity. Embracing this face and working together on agrifood systems transformation for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind, is the path towards a prosperous Africa for everyone.
Read the original article on The Standard
