Unlocking Africa’s potential through agri-food systems

Continent is rich in natural resources
FAO director-general Qu Dongyu says Africa's growing youth population holds vast yet not fully realised potential.
Ellanie Smit
  • 2 Weeks Ago
Agri-food system transformation offers a foundation for Africa to realise sustainable development and modernisation.

Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Qu Dongyu, said in a statement that Africa holds the key to moving towards a world free from hunger and poverty.

He said this ahead of the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Ministerial Conference for Africa (ARC33), where ministers of agriculture from across Africa will meet in Morocco from 18 to 20 April.

“It is a pivotal moment for collective action. I urge African nations to seize the momentum of agri-food systems transformation to unlock benefits across food security and nutrition, the economy and equality, the environment and resilience.”

By encouraging better production through mechanisation, digitalisation, agri-food industrialisation and green-powered irrigation, African nations can boost productivity and efficiency and enhance resilience to the climate crisis, Dongyu said.



Rich in natural resources

He said more than 1 billion Africans cannot afford a healthy diet.

“A better environment is essential for Africa’s living conditions and long-term future.”

He said a better life for all can be achieved through addressing migration, inclusive rural transformation, women’s empowerment and creating meaningful work opportunities with and for Africa’s youth.

“Africa is a continent of tremendous opportunity. The continent is rich in natural resources. It also has the largest share of arable land, and its growing youth population holds vast yet not fully realised capabilities, particularly as agents of change and early adopters of technologies and innovations.”



Addressing conflict, climate change

However, Dongyu pointed out that conflict is a major obstacle to progress.

He said the FAO is committed to supporting efforts to reduce conflicts, particularly those triggered by competition over natural resources, and build resilience in the face of adversity.

“The climate crisis also cannot be ignored. Agri-food systems transformation offers not only an opportunity to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate but also to reverse some of the damage already done," he added.

He said the FAO Regional Ministerial Conference for Africa provides a significant platform for African governments to share their perspectives and experience on implementing agri-food systems transformation and building capacity.

“If we are to course correct in Africa, it requires doing things differently. Solutions from science, digital technology and innovation offer exciting potential.”



Land of abundance

He said consultations with civil society, including farmers' organisations and the private sector were held in February and March.

Their recommendations will help shape discussions at the conference.

“We are brokering strategic partnerships between countries and investors to unblock bottlenecks in agricultural production and trade. In the last biennium, FAO mobilised more than US$900 million for agri-food systems in Africa, more than 60% above our target," he explained.

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, the FAO chief said.