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AATF on how to leverage technology to end hunger in Africa
In the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019 report released in July by the Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 820 million people in the world are still hungry today, with rising cases in almost all sub regions of Africa underscoring the immense challenge of achieving the Zero Hunger target by 2030. Denis Kyetere, Executive Director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation joins CNBC Africa for more.
Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:46:08 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- Empowering smallholder farmers through technology is crucial for improving food and nutrition security in Africa.
- Addressing technological and non-technological gaps, such as limited access to resources and supportive policies, is essential for enhancing food productivity in the region.
- Collaborative efforts with governments and regional economic communities are necessary to establish favorable policies and regulations that promote the adoption of agricultural technologies.
In the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2019 report released in July by the Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 820 million people in the world are still hungry today, with rising cases in almost all sub regions of Africa underscoring the immense challenge of achieving the Zero Hunger target by 2030. Denis Kyetere, Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, joined CNBC Africa to discuss how technology can be leveraged to address the issue of hunger in Africa. Kyetere highlighted the increasing number of people suffering from hunger, especially in developing countries like those in Africa, and expressed concerns about meeting the 2030 goal of eradicating hunger and reducing child deaths. Despite efforts being made, the continent still faces moderate to severe food insecurity. Kyetere emphasized that empowering smallholder farmers is crucial to improving food and nutrition security in the region. He identified both technological and non-technological gaps that hinder food productivity, such as limited access to improved inputs, machinery, processing equipment, and supportive policies. To bridge these gaps, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation is focusing on investing in new farming technologies, creating an enabling environment for their application, and supporting market development for agricultural products. Kyetere emphasized the importance of educating farmers about available technologies, ensuring access to resources, and addressing constraints that may limit adoption rates. He also highlighted the need for collaborative efforts with governments and regional economic communities to establish favorable policies and regulations that promote the adoption of agricultural technologies. By working with seed companies, providing education and training, and facilitating market access, the foundation aims to empower smallholder farmers and drive economic growth in the agriculture sector. Kyetere noted that while adoption rates of technology vary across countries and crops, concerted efforts are needed to raise awareness and enhance support for farmers in utilizing modern agricultural practices. Overall, leveraging technology and fostering a conducive regulatory environment are key steps towards achieving food security and ending hunger in Africa.
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