Experts call for reform, investment to enhance Africa's food production

African governments need to reform agricultural policies, invest in modern technology and infrastructure in order to boost food production, experts said late Tuesday at a forum in Nairobi.

Policymakers, scientists and agro dealers attended the Africa Food Security Conference in Nairobi to explore new strategies to revitalize farming systems in the light of climate change and market volatility.

While decrying the mounting challenge of malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa, the experts urged governments to prioritize climate-smart agriculture, extension services and improved storage to shield communities from hunger and malnutrition.

"Food security remains a severe challenge in Africa hence the need to adopt climate-resilient farming systems to boost production of staples in small holder farms," said Richard Munang, UNEP Africa Regional Climate Change Program Coordinator.

Munang stressed that streamlining of agricultural value chains is key to achieving food security and boosting small holders' income.

"African countries should focus on proven enablers to achieve food security. They include policy and institutional reforms, improved road transport, access to credit and markets," said Munang.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization says an estimated 240 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are food insecure. Experts attribute climate change-induced vagaries, rapid population growth, declining soil fertility and distorted values to food deficit across Sub-Saharan Africa.

"To reverse declining fortunes in the agriculture sector, African countries must empower women and youth, invest in agro processing and value addition to boost export earnings," Munang said, adding that deployment of appropriate technologies at the small holder level will boost food production and broaden revenue base.

Pascal Kaumbutho, CEO of Kenya Network for Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies, noted that farmer-led innovations have transformed food production.

He also said cost-effective and farmer-friendly technologies should be highlighted as they help expand irrigation coverage, boost pest and disease control alongside post-harvest storage. Enditem