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Africa, with its vast arable land, favorable climatic conditions, and a youthful population, holds immense potential to become a global leader in agriculture. The agricultural sector is the backbone of many African economies, employing over 60% of the population and contributing about 30% – 40% to Africa’s GDP.
However, with a population projected to double by 2050, the continent faces a growing demand for food, with the current demand already outstripping supply, leading to widespread food insecurity. As at 2022, 868 million in Africa were
already affected by moderate to severe food insecurity.
Despite these challenges, Africa’s vast agricultural potential offers a promising path forward.
The agriculture sector undoubtedly plays a crucial role in the continent’s economy. However, to fully realize this potential, there is a need to modernize farming practices, enhance infrastructure, and expand access to agricultural finance and technology. Climate change and regional insecurity have also exposed the vulnerability of Africa’s food systems and underscored the importance of building resilient systems.
The upcoming Agriculture Summit in Africa (ASA 2024), themed “Transitioning from Scarcity to Security,” aims to bring policymakers, agricultural experts, and relevant stakeholders to explore innovative solutions and develop a roadmap that leads to the achievement of food security in Africa through sustainable practices, innovation, and strategic investments; such that Africa becomes a food-secure continent that not only meets its own needs but also emerges as a global agricultural powerhouse.