A joint report by the United Nations and the African Union Commission paints a grim picture of a continent grappling with an “unprecedented food crisis.”
At least 78% of Africans, exceeding 1 billion people, cannot afford a healthy diet, compared to the global average of 42%.
The number of severely food-insecure Africans reached 342 million in 2022, representing 38% of the world’s total.
The report blames a combination of factors for the escalating crisis.
Armed conflicts in West and Central Africa have displaced millions, while climate change and extreme weather in East Africa threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
Skyrocketing food prices, further exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, have outpaced the incomes of many families.
The situation is particularly dire for children under 5, with 30% suffering from stunting due to malnutrition.
Despite its wealth of natural resources, Africa is far from achieving its goal of ending hunger by 2025. A young and rapidly growing population, set to double by 2050, further complicates the issue.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to Africa’s woes. The report estimates that 57 million more Africans became undernourished since its onset, bringing the total to nearly 282 million in 2022. Hunger has worsened significantly since 2019, reversing years of progress made between 2000 and 2010.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, provides a stark example. Despite being a top oil producer, nearly 93% of its population cannot afford a healthy diet. This raises questions about why African governments are failing to utilize the continent’s resources to improve citizens’ lives.
While Nigeria grapples with austerity measures, its government has allocated millions of dollars for luxury items like cars and house renovations for the president and his wife.
The report concludes by calling for a “momentum for agrifood systems transformation” alongside improvements in education, health, and energy. This multi-pronged approach is essential to ensure better production, nutrition, environment, and ultimately, a better life for all Africans.
