The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has called for investment in climate change adaptation measures, to address the huge threat to food security in Africa.
ZANIS reports that AUDA-NEPAD Director Esthreine Lisinge-Fotabong said accelerating the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) before 2025, is key and will help to address factors that affect food and nutrition security in Africa.
She said this during the 14th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security Summit (ADFNS) and 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnerships platform at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.
Ms Lisinge-Fotabong also explained that the CAADP is a continental framework that outlines ways of addressing challenges that Africa faces in food security.
She further pointed out that land degradation is a major threat to food security in Africa , noting that about 20 billion tonnes of fertile soil is lost every year in Africa due to poor agriculture practices.
“Agent action is needed to address threats to our fertile soil which is a bedrock for our livelihoods, now is the time to invest in healthy soil, for healthy people,” said Ms Lisinge-Fotabong.
And Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa stated that Zambia will continue to prioritize food and nutrition security on the continent through hosting of platforms which enable African countries to discuss matters of food and nutrition security on the continent.
In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary in the office of the Vice President Lillian Kapusana, Mr Kangwa said that the hosting of the ADFNS and CAADP summit is a continuation of the commitment and efforts of President Hakainde Hichilema on food security which he made at the United Nations in New York in September 2021.
“It is gratifying to note that food security and nutrition in Africa is being given more attention, this is an indication of a clear vision for Africa to improve the nutrition status of the continent,” said Mr Kangwa.
Speaking at the same event, World Food Program (WFP) Representative Hameed Nuru noted the need for continental effort to attain Food security in Africa.
Mr Nuru indicated that food and nutrition security in Africa can be achieved through the utilisation of the agricultural capacity in some countries citing Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana among others.
He observed that unlocking the agricultural potential of some African countries through safeguarding of indigenous food and private sector involvement is one of the factors that can contribute to food and nutrition security in Africa.
“Another key element in increasing food and nutrition security on the continent is investment in Agricultural policies that empower the grassroots farmers who are the small scale farmers,” said Mr Nuru.
The 14 the African Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) and 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) is being held under the theme: Accelerating the implementation of African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement in the context of CAADP Commitment for Safer and Healthier Diets.
