Correction: The impact of sustainable organic agriculture on food security in sub-Saharan africa: a mixed methods systematic review with meta-analysis

Climate change is predicted to have a detrimental impact on food security throughout the world, but the poorest regions are likely to be the most affected. The Food and Agriculture Organization identifies four aspects of food security: availability, access, stability and utilization. This literature review examines the predicted impacts of climate change on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. First, an analysis of the scientific literature was undertaken to investigate the potential impact of climate change on each of these four aspects. Second, policies relating to food security and climate change of key UN bodies, international non-profit organizations, and national governments in Sub-Saharan Africa were examined. Overall, there is extensive evidence that climate change will negatively impact each of the four aspects of food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Until now, international organizations and national governments have failed to adopt comprehensive policies to adapt to climate change. To be effective, efforts to address the problem should combine social and development aspects.

This study aimed to undertake a comprehensive mixed methods systematic review to examine the effectiveness of sustainable organic agriculture (SOA) in improving food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Medline (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS/ Elsevier were searched from January 2000 to July 2024. The impact of three types of SOA was evaluated: sustainable intensification practices (SIPs), climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA). Weighted pooled mean differences (PMD) and 95% CIs were used to assess between-group differences using random effect models (I2 > 50%). Seventy-eight studies were eligible for inclusion. Compared to non-adopters of SOA, adopters experienced a 16.33% lower prevalence of food insecurity (95%CI: − 21.62, − 11.03, p < 0.001) and a 5.24% lower prevalence of coping strategies (95%CI − 9.06, − 1.41; p < 0.01). They recorded an additional 1019 kg/ha in cereal yield equivalent (95%CI: 397.05, 1641.39, p < 0.01), USD 155.60 in per capita farm food yield revenue (95%CI 89.40, 221.81; p < 0.001), and USD 57 in per capita income (95%CI 17, 97; p < 0.01). They also reported USD 14 higher per capita food consumption expenditure per year (95%CI 6, 21; p < 0.001), a 10.4% increase in food and nutrient intake (95%CI 6.5, 14.3, p < 0.001), 687.4 kcal higher calorie intake (95%CI 302.0, 1072.9; p < 0.001), a 0.90-point increase in dietary diversity score (95%CI 0.62, 1.19, p < 0.001), a 0.14 standard deviation improvement in children’s height-for-age z-scores (95%CI 0.053, 0.225, p < 0.001), and a 0.28-point increase in women’s BMI (95%CI 0.272, 0.292; p < 0.001). Overall, results were significantly consistent across all sub-Saharan regions as well as SIPs and CSA. SOA practices significantly improve food security among smallholder farming households.

This study delves into the intricate interplay of gender dynamics within the realms of food security, energy access, and entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Through a comprehensive analysis, it seeks to uncover the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women and men in these critical sectors. Data for the study was obtained from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Development Indicators (WDI). The system Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) was used for the analysis. Results show that women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in accessing resources and markets, which can impact their ability to contribute to food security. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of gender-sensitive policies and programs that support women entrepreneurs in the food sector.

The sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region has experienced substantial population growth over the past decades, accompanied by severe hunger and environmental degradation. Underperforming governance is a major driver of unsustainable agricultural production and land use in SSA. The impacts of governance performance on food security and the environment in SSA require better understanding by considering socioeconomic and biophysical dynamics. Using an agro-economic dynamic optimization model, we investigate the impacts of governance performance on land use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and food security in the SSA region by 2050. Our findings indicate that strong governance could lead to less deforestation, thus reducing GHG emissions in the agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) sector. Strong governance could also improve food security, with higher agricultural productivity, lower food prices and food expenditure share, as well as higher self-sufficiency. These findings highlight that those efforts should extend beyond specific agricultural and environmental measures and promote integrated governance to achieve long-term synergies between food and environmental security in SSA.

Wild edible plants that provide non-timber forest products for food are a source of subsistence for people in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas. However, the uses and nutritional potentials of these wild plants are poorly documented. This study aims to summarize the scope of knowledge on wild edible plants in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientific articles related to plant uses and nutritional potential were searched on Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus and PubMed using various keywords. A total of 420 species belonging to 215 genera and 69 families were identified as contributing to food security. Adansonia digitata L., Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet, Annona senegalensis Pers. and Tamarindus indica L. were the most represented according to the relative importance index. Eight edible parts were listed, among which fruits, flowers, seed oil and leaves were the most widely used. Fruits and flowers were the most used in drinks and condiments. Amino acids, lipids, glucids, fibres, water content, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, energy value and proteins were the nutrients recorded in the parts of edible plants. Vitamins are more commonly found in fruits while proteins are found in seed oil, leaves and flowers. The wild edible plants species contain food properties such as aroma, sweetness, acidity and sourness, as well as nutritional value. Acidifying/souring properties are found in leaves while aroma is found in flowers. Identifying plants with high nutritional value could help guide conservation efforts and their inclusion in nutritional programs for sustainable food and nutritional security in sub-Saharan Africa. The results obtained on the nutritional potentials of different parts of plants open the prospects for the formulation of new food products to improve the diet of local people.

The Political Economy of Urban Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Globally, Climate change adversely impacts people's lives. Climate change has not spared Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of farming and food security. Sub-Saharan Africa's overdependence on agriculture and farming adversely impacts the standard of living and quality of life. This study explored secondary data analysis of global institutions' reports to examine the impact of climate change on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper synthesizes themes and patterns to comprehend the effects of climate change on food supply. The data was analyzed through a thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes from the secondary data. The findings established that climate change reduces farming productivity, which causes food shortages and increases the vulnerability of farming. Food security can be improved by adopting climate-change agricultural practices and increasing investment in agricultural infrastructure. The paper concludes that climate change impacts food security. This paper recommends that the government and global institutions support Sub-Saharan African farmers. It contributes to raising awareness of measures to improve food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the agricultural innovation and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa in Nigeria. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In Nigeria, agricultural innovation is vital for improving food security. Research suggests that adopting innovative farming methods and technologies can boost productivity, resilience to climate change, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers. Overcoming challenges like limited access to finance and inadequate infrastructure is essential to fully harnessing the benefits of agricultural innovation for food security in Nigeria. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, social capital theory &amp; political economy theory may be used to anchor future studies on agricultural innovation and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa in Nigeria. Promote farmer-centered innovation platforms - establishing can facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and co-creation of agricultural innovations. Adequate funding for research institutions, agricultural universities, and extension agencies is essential to conduct applied research, develop appropriate technologies, and provide technical assistance to farmers.

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to investigate the role of agricultural innovation in enhancing food security in Sub Saharan Africa. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the role of agricultural innovation in enhancing food security in Sub Saharan Africa. Preliminary empirical review revealed that agricultural innovation was critical in addressing the pervasive food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa. It found that innovations in crop breeding, sustainable farming practices, precision agriculture, and improved agricultural inputs significantly increased productivity and food availability. However, the study emphasized that these innovations needed to be context-specific due to the diverse agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions in the region. Additionally, barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate extension services, and poor infrastructure were identified as significant obstacles to the adoption of agricultural innovations. The study also highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability and resilience into agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and Innovation Systems Theory may be used to anchor future studies on food security in Sub Saharan Africa. The study recommended further research into the contextual factors influencing the adoption and impact of agricultural innovations, suggesting that more region-specific studies could provide deeper insights. It also emphasized strengthening agricultural extension services and leveraging digital technologies to enhance farmers' access to information. Improving financial access for smallholder farmers through tailored credit products and public-private partnerships was also advised. On the policy front, the study called for supportive policies that reduce regulatory barriers and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and enhancing capacity-building initiatives were recommended to empower farmers and facilitate the widespread adoption of agricultural innovations.

Food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is dependent on complex networks of interconnected actors and the flows of resources (biomass, capital) and information among them. However, the degree to which actors and value chains of different crops are in fact interconnected and their current systemic influence on food security are unclear. Therefore, the concept of “value webs” to better capture the complexity within the networks emerges. Biomass-based value webs of selected crops in Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are modeled using the systems analysis software iMODELER and by eliciting factors as well as their interconnections through participatory stakeholder workshops. Furthermore, a generic model was created compiling the country models to identify overarching system dynamics with supporting and hindering factors impacting food security in SSA. Findings from the country models show highly complex value webs, suggesting that the predominant value chain approach may oversimplify actual structures and resource flows in real life settings. However, few interconnections within the value webs link the actors and flows of different crops, contradicting predictions emerging from other research. Results from the generic model allow for a critical reflection on the relation between value web dynamics and food security policy in SSA. Current national and regional policy trends targeting market integration, mechanization, and reduction of post-harvest losses are supported by model results.

The research aimed to assess the impact of globalization and innovation on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) between 2001 and 2021. The study utilized secondary data from the World Development Indicators to analyze the relationship. Food security was measured in terms of accessibility and availability, represented by the “Food Production Index (2014–2016 = 100)” and “Gross Domestic Product per Capita, PPP, Dissemination (constant 2017 international $)” respectively. The research employed a two-step System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to evaluate the data. The results indicated that globalization showed a direct and statistically insignificant influence on food security availability, but it had a negative and significant effect on food security accessibility. On the other hand, innovation had a direct but statistically insignificant effect on food security availability, while it had a positive and significant impact on food security accessibility. The interaction between globalization and innovation had an indirect but significant effect on food security availability and a direct and significant effect on food security accessibility. Additionally, the study found that arable land and population growth significantly influenced the availability aspect of food security, while arable land indirectly affected the accessibility aspect. Population had a direct but statistically insignificant effect on the accessibility measure of food security. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the governments of SSA countries and other stakeholders should adopt and operate integrated policy approaches that captures the diverse effects that globalization has on food security.

BackgroundSince 2015, food insecurity has been a more serious threat than the previous years with a record high observed from the year 2020 onwards, especially in developing countries. This record could be due to response measures, notably the closure of borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This implies that trade openness have played an important role in achieving food security in the world. However, the debate on the effect of trade openness on food security remains no consensus in the economic literature. It is in this context that this paper aims to re-examine the effect of trade openness on food security in sub-Saharan African countries.MethodsPanel data covering 37 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period from 2004 to 2018 were mobilized. We use a dynamic empirical model based on the system Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) to control the unobserved heterogeneity and potential endogeneity of the explanatory variables. As food security is a multidimensional concept, we used four indicators (“average dietary energy supply adequacy”, “average protein supply”, “per capita food supply variability”, and “share of dietary energy supply”) to capture food security. To improve the robustness of the empirical effect of openness on food security, we also used globalization as an alternative factor to trade openness.ResultsThe empirical results show that trade openness significantly improves food security in 37 Sub-Saharan African countries. However, in the presence of political instability, a deterioration of the food security situation is observed. The results reveal also that the quality of institutions, economic growth, remittances, human capital, and the importance of the agricultural sector are also factors favouring the level of food security in sub-Saharan Africa countries.ConclusionAny policy aimed at trade openness must consider the quality of institutions to achieve the expected results.

INTRODUCTION: Climate smart agriculture (CSA) which involves the integration of IoT and cloud computing is an emerging agricultural paradigm that is foreseen to be the main driver of agriculture as the 21st century progresses. Sub-Saharan Africa lags in this regard and therefore deserves a special focus. OBJECTIVES: This paper presents an overview of Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions in CSA in the context of food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) METHODS: An overview of the status of food insecurity in SSA and associated factors is presented. The paper then focused on IoT as a technology and how it can be used for CSA in SSA through use cases; possible challenges were also examined. RESULTS: The paper showed that with CSA, SSA can become a net exporter of food. CONCLUSION: The paper concludes with open issues like the funding of research and development which must be addressed if SSA is to leverage IoT technology to attain food security.

Bioprocess engineering today has made tremendous discoveries principally aimed at improving the overall quality of living of any society. Significant of these discoveries is the cultivation of genetically modified foods (GM foods). This paper discusses the problem of food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the practicability of GM foods in ameliorating this problem. In SSA, food security is currently being threatened by several factors ranging from natural systems that cause environmental deterioration such as floods and droughts to anthropogenic exacerbations ranging from poor land and agricultural management policies; increase in social and economic inequality; terrorism, civic unrest, strife and wars and rapid population growth and demographic changes, amongst others. Drawbacks to the poor food security in SSA is majorly associated with malnutrition and corresponding loss in human capita productivity in the region. Statistics currently portray that one in four persons in Africa is undernourished. Hence, the timely need for disruption in current trends is imperative. The growth of GM foods has seen an exponential increase worldwide, with over 179.7 million hectares being planted, this trend is however very poor in SSA. The pros, cons and hindrances influencing the use of GM foods in SSA have been discussed. It is the opinion of the authors that the use of Biotech improved foods in curbing the food crisis in SSA should be explored and committed to by the African Union, alongside amendment of policies that promulgate weaknesses of agricultural institutional in African Nations.

The soaring cases of coronavirus pandemic coupled with unpredictable climatic variations posed danger to human lives and food security. This work examined “Relationship between climate change and food security in sub-Saharan Africa.” Using the Generalized Method of Moments technique with preliminary diagnostic tests on panel data across the 17 sub-Sahara African countries, the dependent variable is agricultural output, while the independent variables are temperature, rainfall, government expenditure on agriculture, inflation, exchange rate, gross fixed capital formation, and labor force. The findings revealed that climate change exerts negative impact on food security through temperature variations which degenerated during the period under review. The results also showed positive significant impact on government expenditure which increased during the period. The work recommended that government should embark on massive productive investments to reinvigorate and re-engineer the economy. The government and appropriate agencies should also put in place hybrid technology of high yield crops adaptive to change in climate as well as effective mechanism for food storage to secure food for the future.