According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), more than half of Africa’s population “suffer from moderate or severe food insecurity”. This alarming situation raises concerns about how to provide sustenance for an estimated 2.5 billion Africans by 2050, according to projections.
While ending hunger by 2030 is one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, progress has been slow, particularly in Africa.
Data Source: Africa UN Data for Development
This data snapshot illustrates the progress made toward each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with a specific focus on “Zero Hunger.” The length of the bar depicts Africa’s advancement in achieving zero hunger between 2000 and 2020. However, a recent report by FAO (2023) indicates a troubling trend; In 2022, over 60% of Africans faced moderate or severe food insecurity, representing more than one-third (868.3 million) of the estimated 2.37 billion people facing moderate or severe food insecurity globally, with the most affected regions being West and East Africa.
Food insecurity has been steadily rising in the continent since 2015, with a sharp increase in all subregions in 2020 exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there was a gentler increase in 2021, the situation worsened in 2022, with 34 million more people experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity compared to the previous year.
Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of food insecurity in Africa, including low agricultural productivity, adverse climatic conditions, slow economic growth, governance issues, limited research and innovation, among others. Agriculture is often proposed as a key solution due to Africa’s vast untapped potential, as it possesses 60% of the world’s unused arable land.
However, the adoption of industrial agriculture in Africa to eradicate food insecurity has proven unsustainable and ineffective. This method, characterized by intensive fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide use, monoculture practices, and large-scale agribusinesses, has led to soil degradation, environmental pollution, and economic inequalities. For instance, countries like Kenya and Nigeria, which embraced industrial agriculture policies, witnessed a surge in undernourished populations by 44% and 247%, respectively.
It is evident that industrial farming is taking a huge environmental toll while failing to adequately address the food demands of Africa. This is because industrial agricultural practices gradually degrade soils and diminish agricultural productivity. Africa’s immense potential for agricultural production necessitates a shift towards sustainable farming models that address the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Industrial farming, with its adverse environmental effects and inability to meet food demands, is not the answer. It’s time to rethink agriculture in Africa, prioritizing regenerative practices that enhance soil health, conserve water resources, and ensure long-term food security for the continent’s growing population.
Here are two sustainable farming practices that can be considered:
Vertical Farming
Vertical farming is a modern farming technology that uses environmentally controlled agricultural technology to make the most of indoor farming techniques. This method involves controlling temperature, lighting, and gas levels artificially, all of which can be done indoors. It has been called “future farming” by many, and with good reason. This is especially true given that by 2050, a major portion of the Africa’s population will have moved to cities. In such a setting and an ever-expanding population, the demand for organic and natural food will increase.
Vertical farming can help crops prepare for this impending challenge by efficiently utilising land and water. It is a sustainable farming technology that offers high, year-round yields, reduced pesticide or herbicide demands, and resilience to climate change. Studies have shown that vertical farming has great potential to alleviate the food crisis in large African cities.
Hydroponic Farming
Hydroponics, originating from the Greek words “hydro” (water) and “ponos” (labour), literally translates to “water working.” This method involves growing crops without soil. While it might seem strange because plants usually get their necessary nutrients from soil, hydroponics proves they can thrive without it.
Hydroponic plants, however, get all the required nutrients from a water solution medium, hence the presence of soil becomes unnecessary to its survival. As a result, plants flourish more quickly and efficiently while reducing demands on land.
Both vertical farming and hydroponics are similar in that they both allow for efficient use of space and controlled environmental conditions, but they differ in the growing medium (stacked layers versus water). However, as effective and inspirational as these technologies are, we must keep in mind that many are still in their early stages and are thus still costly and unfit for large-scale production.
To advance these sustainable farming practices to their full potential, it is imperative for both governments and businesses to recognize the importance of investing in such technologies. If they do, private companies will likely join in, creating a cooperative environment for developing and using these sustainable farming methods.
The discussion surrounding the adoption of new farming practices in Africa, especially vertical and hydroponic farming, which do not require extensive land use, has stirred some controversy. Africa, after all, possesses a substantial 60% of the world’s uncultivated land, making it reasonable to employ this abundant space for traditional agricultural practices.
Nevertheless, these modern farming techniques do more than just preserve valuable land and protect old trees that act as carbon sinks; they also offer far-reaching advantages for Africa’s future. According to research, it is projected that by the next century, Africa will be home to 13 of the world’s largest megacities. In this evolving scenario, these innovative farming practices empower Africans to cultivate their own sustenance without the necessity for extensive land allocations.
In summary, addressing food insecurity in Africa necessitates a re-evaluation of current practices. By prioritizing sustainable and innovative farming methods, Africa can unlock its agricultural potential, ensuring equitable access to food for its growing population.