LUSAKA, Zambia — The African continent grapples with a concerning trend in food security and nutrition, as the 2025 overview reveals persistent challenges despite global efforts.
According to the African Union and other key agencies, more than 300 million people in Africa faced undernourishment in 2024, a stark reminder that the continent is off course in its pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 2.
The narrative is further complicated by the rising cost of a healthy diet, which is becoming increasingly inaccessible to the growing population.
The situation is dire, with East and Southern Africa witnessing acute hunger affecting over 87 million, while West and Central Africa face similar challenges. This crisis is compounded by ongoing conflicts, climate shocks, and economic volatility, factors that have led to a significant increase in food insecurity.
In regions such as the Sahel, the impact of climate — induced droughts and floods has been devastating, disrupting agricultural activities and reducing crop yields.
The need for urgent, coordinated financing to reverse the rising tide of hunger and transform agrifood systems is emphasized, with the current allocation of development funding to the food sector deemed woefully insufficient.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is presented as a beacon of hope, offering the potential to boost agricultural trade and improve food security.
However, the realization of this potential hinges on overcoming infrastructure and policy barriers.
The call to action is clear: increased investment in agriculture, improved infrastructure, and regional cooperation are crucial steps towards achieving sustainable food security and nutrition for all.
As the continent faces these unprecedented challenges, the window for action is closing, demanding collective action from governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: African Union
