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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 19, No. 1, 2019, pp. 14190-14217
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Bioline Code: nd19019
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 19, No. 1, 2019, pp. 14190-14217
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Challenges and opportunities to the African agriculture and food systems
Gashu, Dawd; Demment, Montague W. & Stoecker, Barbara J.
Abstract
Reduction in the proportion of undernourished people worldwide has been achieved
despite global population increase. However, the achievement of reducing
undernourishment globally was uneven; sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in particular has the
least progress. In SSA, agriculture is only slowly changing with actual well below
potential yields. Failures in agricultural policies, weak institutions, and poor
governance are the root of growth stagnation. Agriculture contributes a significant
share to the SSA economy and a majority of the population derives their livelihood
from this sector. It is justifiable to assume that for sustainable growth of the African
economy, significant investment and creative innovation in agriculture are needed.
However, several factors such as growth of the farming population, loss of soil fertility,
climate change, water scarcity, post-harvest losses, and limited market access could
challenge such expectation. On the other hand, new policy reforms and initiatives, and
appropriate investment that directly or indirectly support agricultural innovation and
growth are emerging. This chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities to
advance agricultural growth and food systems in Africa and makes recommendations
for solutions.
Keywords
Africa; food systems; agriculture; agricultural research; agricultural investment
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