NAIROBI, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Targeted policy and fiscal reforms are essential to protect Africa's food systems from growing global disruptions, a senior African Development Bank (AfDB) official said at a virtual forum on Tuesday.
Martin Fregene, officer in charge of the vice presidency for Agriculture, Human and Social Development at the AfDB, said that external shocks, including pandemics, conflicts and geopolitical tensions, have severely impacted the continent's food supply.
To build long-term resilience, Fregene urged African nations to prioritize domestic financing, rapid technology adoption, community-led climate initiatives and stronger market linkages.
"Our food systems are always on the receiving end of global shocks, including COVID-19 and conflicts that have disrupted supplies of fertilizer and other farm inputs," Fregene said.
Fregene noted that armed conflicts, climate shocks, market volatility and protectionist trade policies have disrupted global supply chains, pushing local African communities toward hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
To build resilient agri-food systems, he advocated for a decisive policy shift supported by domestic capital and political will.
Fregene also urged investment in modern post-harvest technologies, expanded extension services and stronger national and regional supply chains to connect local producers with markets better.
"We should also incentivize local fertilizer manufacturers to reduce dependence on imports. Strengthening institutions and expanding access to finance for smallholder farmers will also reduce the negative impact of external shocks on food systems," Fregene said.
He urged governments and industry partners to invest in continental-scale anticipatory action and high-quality data to better prepare for climate shocks threatening food production.
The webinar brought together senior policymakers, scholars, regional leaders, civil society advocates and representatives of donor agencies to chart new strategies for strengthening Africa's food system resilience against global disruptions.
Debisi Araba, managing director of AKADEMIYA2063, said the continent's quest for food and nutritional security is being jeopardized by high fuel and fertilizer costs and declining household incomes.
Araba called for the speedy implementation of continental treaties that seek to revitalize Africa's farming systems through policy harmonization, sustained funding and capacity building for smallholder farmers. ■
