The current global economic crisis,
rising food prices and the threat of climate change have reinforced the urgency
to find lasting solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges. Despite
unprecedented agricultural productivity growth in recent years, many
African countries still lag behind the rest of the developing nations.
Moreover, the growth has been unequal, such that smaller countries, continue to
face food insecurity and nutrition challenges, often relying on expensive food
imports. This is despite the fact that these countries are rich in natural
resources and cheaply export agricultural produce like coffee, cocoa and cotton
.
For the sustainable growth and
development of the agricultural sector in Africa, it is imperative to
understand what Africa’s needs and priorities are. Misguided and uninformed
investments in the agricultural sector, has often led to losses and
mismanagement of resources, leaving Africa poor and the most food insecure
continent with the highest cases of malnutrition.
The potential, opportunities and
strengths of Africa’s agriculture has been the center of numerous conferences
aimed at ensuring investments are made at the right priorities.
One such forum was the first
Sub-regional dissemination meeting towards decision-makers and research and
innovation funders organized by the Long-term Europe-Africa Research and
Innovation Partnership for Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable
Agriculture (LEAP4FNSSA) in Nairobi Kenya. The forum brought together
researchers, cooperation agencies, research institutions, private sector
players and research funding agencies to discuss priorities to enhance food and
nutrition security, sustainable agriculture and creating a favorable
entrepreneurial environment for young people and women.
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