AGRA President Agnes Kalibata on how to improve food security in Africa

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World indicate that hunger is expanding at the fastest rate in Africa compared to other regions, with the continent projected to be home to over half of the world's chronically hungry population by 2030. This points to the urgent need for governments and stakeholders to focus on transforming agriculture to feed the growing population. Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, highlighted the importance of partnerships with governments, SMEs, private sectors, farm organizations, and development investors to drive agricultural progress in Africa. She emphasized the critical role of investing in inclusive agriculture to uplift smallholder farmers and rural communities. Dr. Kalibata's optimism in the potential of the agriculture sector stems from the existing resources such as land, people, and technology. She emphasized the need for governments to recognize the pivotal role of agriculture in economic development and prioritize investments in the sector. Gender equality in agriculture is also a significant focus for Dr. Kalibata, highlighting the essential role that women play in food production and the need to empower them with better resources and opportunities. She stressed the importance of investing in structured changes to improve women's quality of life and reduce the burden they face in providing food for their families. Furthermore, the digital revolution has been making strides in Africa, with a significant portion of the population, including rural areas, having access to telecommunication technology. This digital advancement presents opportunities to enhance agricultural practices, improve access to information, and streamline processes for smallholder farmers. Dr. Kalibata's insights shed light on the multifaceted approach needed to address food security challenges in Africa and pave the way for a sustainable agricultural transformation.