LANDBOUKUNDIG
Feeding Africa ’ s cities :
AGRI ’ S FUTURE FOCUS
Demographic forecasts indicate that Africa ’ s rate of urbanisation is the highest in the world . This means that rapidly growing cities and food markets pose unique opportunities for the continent ’ s estimated 60 million farms .
Annette Willemse Communication Specialist
These opportunities , along with
predicted challenges and suggested policy interventions - with regard to accessing these urban food markets - are set out in the 2020 Africa Agriculture Status Report ( AASR ). The report , as co-ordinated and published by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa ( AGRA ), was released on 8 September 2020 and is aptly themed : Feeding Africa ’ s Cities .
The report puts it that smallholder agriculture should progressively focus on urban food markets , in order to position domestic suppliers as competitive , responsive and safe ; to provide the right inputs to those markets ; and continue to grow opportunities for young people within the agricultural sector . In short : agricultural value chains should adapt its traditional view of food systems and markets to drive food security , rural prosperity and inclusive economic growth .
NEW VOICES WITHIN THE AGRICUL- TURAL SECTOR According to Dr Agnes Kalibata , AGRA President , this process of adaptation promotes the inclusion of new voices within the agricultural sector .
It is his opinion that the rapid rate of urbanisation is shifting the centre of gravity in Africa ’ s agri-food systems and as such a cohort of new , non-traditional voices must join the conversation with regards to agricultural policy . These voices include , amongst others : city planners , mayors , district councils , trade organisations and public health professionals .
OVERCOMING THE PROBLEM OF URBAN UNDER-NUTRITION While recognising the debilitating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and its role in exacerbating existing economic and social inequalities , the report defines five focus areas in a bid to overcome the problem of urban under-nutrition . The focus areas are :
• Improved urban food system governance .
• Efficient urban wholesale markets .
• Food safety regulation and enforcement .
• Regional free trade and agricultural policy harmonisation .
• Agricultural research focused on highgrowth , high-value food commodities .
In addition to this , the report also highlights the importance of domestic food distribution systems , intra-African trade and food safety .
The report draws the conclusion that improved governance , performance and collaboration within the urban food system will create new and exciting opportunities for the continent ’ s farmers .
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SENWES SCENARIO | SOMER � SUMMER 2020