Food Insecurity In Africa Research Articles

Battling for food security in Africa: Is climate finance the missing bullet?

AbstractAs climate change increasingly threatens food production and distribution in Africa, understanding how climate finance programs can effectively improve food security in the region has become a critical research priority. In this light, the present study investigates the effect of climate finance on food security across 37 African countries from 2012 to 2021, utilizing secondary data and employing the system generalized method of moments. Our findings consistently demonstrate that climate finance plays a significant role in reducing food insecurity in Africa. This effect remains robust across various alternative food insecurity and climate finance metrics. Furthermore, through analyses of transmission channels, we confirm the indirect pathways through which climate finance contributes to improved food security outcomes in the region. Based on the findings, the study recommends strengthening and expanding climate finance initiatives focusing on enhancing accessibility, equity, and targeted support for farmers to reduce food insecurity.

Data-Driven Innovations and Sustainability of Food Security: Can Asymmetric Information Be Blamed for Food Insecurity in Africa?

Africa still struggles to end hunger, partly because not all Africans have access to nutritious food. Although studies have established the connection between digital technologies and food security, the reality in Africa is that, despite the laudable feat in the use of digital technologies, the accessibility and utilization of food still face challenges. Digital agriculture, or technology, is a data-driven innovation that predicts agricultural outcomes and guides food producers throughout the different phases of operations on the farm. The literature documents the efficacy of digital agriculture in food production and availability well, but it has hardly examined how it enhances food accessibility and utilization. And even though studies that have examined food accessibility and utilization have merely assessed income as a tool that guarantees food accessibility and utilization, not much attention has been paid to how digital resources can aid in the access to and utilization of food. Drawing on information asymmetry theory and the systematic qualitative method, this article investigates how digital agriculture, through the internet and mobile phones, enhances efforts towards the accessibility and utilization of food as prerequisites for the attainment of SDG 2 in Africa. The findings provide an understanding of the potential of digital technologies in promoting the accessibility and utilization of food. It advocates strategies through which stakeholders in the agricultural sector can utilize technology in ways that aid Africa’s strategic efforts to attain food security and zero hunger.

The ripple effects of climate change on agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa

AbstractClimate change results in lower agricultural outputs, disruption of food supply chains, and widening of the social gap between poor and rich in developing countries, with more vulnerable groups being pushed into untold poverty. This review aims to investigate the consequences of climate change on food insecurity in Africa in the context of environmental degradation. This review emphasizes the complexity of demands on food security systems due to changing climatic conditions under the four pillars (availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability). This review demonstrated the susceptibility of farm production to changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns generated by climate change. In addition, this review investigated the factors shaping food insecurity, such as increasing population growth, poverty, inadequate early warning systems, and weak agricultural infrastructure. Furthermore, the review points out how climate change affects food prices and availability and the widening income gap, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability in Africa. Vulnerable populations, including impoverished, elderly, and physically challenged individuals, are at increased risk due to climate‐related health impacts. Women who face gender inequalities and socioeconomic limitations are particularly susceptible. We posit that there is a need for comprehensive strategies that address health disparities and consider vulnerable subgroups within society alongside broader measures to enhance food security in the face of climate change.

The role of indigenous and traditional foods in achieving food security in Africa: A bibliometric snapshot and farm-to-fork perspective

Abstract Foods that are produced and processed locally using some forms of traditional knowledge are important for achieving food and nutrition security in Africa. These food crops are generally nutritious, being rich in essential nutrients and bioactive food compounds necessary for health promotion. Additionally, most African indigenous food crops are better adapted to local growing conditions, fulfil economic needs and are highly resistant to abiotic and climate-induced stresses. Hence, the proper utilisation of locally grown and wild foods crops will help contribute to the improvement of food security, nutrition value, health, and income generation in the African continent. In this review, we focus not only on the determinants of food insecurity in Africa but also discuss the scope, nutrition, and health impact of some common locally grown foods in Africa. We also highlight some traditional processing methods for harnessing the value of these foods, as well as farming and economic/agribusiness practices that can be used to promote the cultivation of foods in an African context. In conclusion, we reiterate that the production and processing of sustainable, locally available foods is essential to providing long-term food security for Africa. There is, therefore, the need for empowerment of local farmers and increased investments in research as well as the formulation of national/regional policies that intend to reduce food insecurity with emphasis on indigenous sustainable food systems for improved access to locally available, nutritious, and healthy foods in Africa.

The impact of large-scale land acquisitions on child food insecurity in Africa

Food insecurity is a major concern in most African countries. Large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) frequently have a negative impact on local communities. In this paper, I examine the impact of LSLAs on the nutritional status of neighboring children. To this end, I use a difference-in-differences methodology applied to LSLAs in a large number of African countries at different times since the early 2000s. I analyze data from Demographic and Health Surveys combined with data from the Land Matrix Initiative, supplemented by my own research, ultimately covering 18,276 children living in the vicinity of 45 LSLAs. I show that LSLAs have had a significant negative impact on child nutrition in Africa over the past two decades. Specifically, the dietary diversity scores of children living close to LSLAs were reduced by 20 per cent after acquisition. The results are robust to various statistical tests. I find no changes in work status or household assets. While the impact of LSLAs may be positive for agricultural practices, it is negative for child food security. The analysis highlights the importance of supporting local communities following foreign agricultural investment.

The fishing industry and the growing food insecurity in Africa: an empirical analysis with an instrumented quantile approach

ABSTRACT Sustainable fishing and inclusive aquatic food systems improve livelihoods sustainability of millions of individuals in developing countries, particularly in Africa. This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the role of the African fishing industry in ensuring food security in 40 African countries between 2001 and 2018, using the smoothed instrumental-variables quantile regression strategy. The findings reveal a positive effect of the fishing industry on food security in Africa, consistent in both the landlocked and coastal, low and middle-income African countries, irrespective of whether they adopt the English common law, the Portuguese or the French civil law systems to govern their institutions. Similarly, the results reveal that fisheries production interacts with increased nitrate-oxide emission to produce positive synergy effects on prevalence of undernourishment. Addressing the concern of environmental degradation in the quest for ensuring food security, we established a net impact of fish production-environmental degradation nexus on the prevalence of undernourishment which still reveals a negative effect. Practical policy implications should be formulated with immediate action to ensure sustainable fisheries management in preserving aquatic organisms for sustainable food security.

Climate Change Implications for Agricultural Productivity: A Comprehensive Analysis

The impact of climate change on global agriculture has been noticeable in recent decades, with rapid trends affecting various agricultural regions. As we look to the future, concerns about food security arise, prompting questions about the potential effects on aggregate productivity. Numerous factors, such as population growth, income disparities, dietary preferences, disease incidence, and competing demands for land and water resources, will influence global food security in the coming decades. While studies indicate that the overall food supply worldwide may not be seriously jeopardized by projected climate changes, there is a growing consensus that food insecurity in Africa will intensify. The risk of hunger is expected to increase both in terms of percentage and absolute numbers throughout the century. Despite projections suggesting a relatively minimal impact on the global average supply of calories in the next few decades, ranging from close to zero to potentially 20% to 30% of overall yield trends, the complexity of the issue is underscored by significant regional variations. The global perspective on food security conceals nuanced changes at smaller scales, which could have substantial implications even if overall production is maintained. To mitigate uncertainties in understanding global impacts, this paper recommends improving estimates of global warming rates and the responsiveness of crop yields to both warming and increased carbon dioxide levels. The responsiveness of yields is intricately linked to various factors, including genetic improvements made to crops, making it essential to address these variables for a more accurate assessment of future scenarios. Keywords: Climate Change, Agricultural Productivity, Food Security, Global Warming, Crop Yield Responsiveness

Urbanization, civil conflict, and the severity of food insecurity in Africa

AbstractThe objective of this article is to examine the impact of urbanization and civil conflicts on the severity of food insecurity for a panel of 43 African countries over the period 2000–2020. Subsequently, the heterogeneous choice models approach was used for the estimations. The results show that urbanization and civil conflict increase food insecurity. The parallel line probability hypothesis results specifically show that a one‐unit increase in urban growth rate increases the probability of belonging to a high‐risk food insecurity category by more than .6 times. Furthermore, the results show that the impacts of urbanization on food insecurity are modulated by civil conflicts in Africa leading to the net effect of .692. This corresponds to the policy threshold of 2.315 when the net positive effect is canceled out. Therefore, this study strongly recommends the need for African economies to develop urban agriculture while controlling the pace of urbanization in order to reduce food insecurity and avoid possible civil wars.Related ArticlesAsare‐Nuamah, Peter, Anthony Amoah, and Simplice A. Asongu. 2023. “Achieving Food Security in Ghana: Does Governance Matter?” Politics & Policy 51(4): 614–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12540.Ayanoore, Ishmael, and Sam Hickey. 2022. “Reframing the Politics of Natural Resource Governance in Africa: Insights from the Local Content Legislation Process in Ghana.” Politics & Policy 50(1): 119–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12449.Oehmke, James F., Sera L. Young, Godfrey Bahiigwa, Boaz Blackie Keizire, and Lori Ann Post. 2018. “The Behavioral‐Economics Basis of Mutual Accountability to Achieve Food Security.” Politics & Policy 46(1): 32–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12244.

British Food (In)security Policies in Colonial Nigeria and Popular Reactions in the Southwestern and Southeastern Provinces, 1939–45

Abstract: The effects of the Second World War on food insecurity in Africa have gained scholarly attention over the past few years; however, there have been no comprehensive attempts to provide historical evidence and analyze the experience of food insecurity in the colonial territories that later transformed into Southern Nigeria. This article fills this gap in research and argues that the demands of the British colonial government for food supplies, along with other policies geared toward agricultural regulation such as the Pullen Scheme, led to such inflation of food prices in urban centers that rural producers could not meet the demand for foodstuffs. The resulting food shortage triggered reactions from indigenous peoples, particularly market women in the southern and eastern provinces of colonial Nigeria. The article supports its arguments using a combination of sources from the Nigerian National Archives, newspaper reports, and peer-reviewed journals.

The Impact of Climate Change on African Food Security and Economy

On the African continent, climate change severely challenges agriculture and livestock. Agriculture in many African countries is stuck at the rain-fed stage due to a lack of irrigation technology, so reduced rainfall and frequent droughts in recent years have drastically reduced crop yield. A similar problem also happens to animal husbandry, which shrinks the quantity and quality of livestock. Since agriculture and livestock are the primary sources of income in most African nations, many Africans are also suffering from a severe economic crisis. Poverty and food insecurity in Africa still cannot be underestimated even today, despite local people actively adopting adaptive policies to mitigate the threats posed by climate change. Fortunately, some African governments have begun to popularize technology and education to deal with extreme environments, and some potential industries can also be used to revitalize the economy. Although these projects have insufficient support, Africas climate problems can still be improved in the future if African governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), and international societies plan carefully. This article focuses on the impact of climate change on food production on the African continent, as well as some potential solutions. In general, the effects of climate change on livestock and agriculture in Africa are more severe and complex than they are in other regions. Though African governments are trying to find a way out through education, technology, or new industries, climate change is still an issue that needs to be treated with caution in Africa, given the shortcomings of poverty and backward development.

Deep histories of food systems in eastern Africa and current patterns of food insecurity.

Central to successful attempts to address food insecurity in Africa are understandings of the historical contexts and meanings of food systems. However, much research into current challenges remains separated from deeper agrarian and alimentary histories. Using qualitative data on food within the historical record alongside the wider multidisciplinary record of the past, this Review traces long-term patterns and drivers of continuity and change in eastern African food systems. Considerable dynamism in place-based and regional trends in the integration of new foodstuffs, agricultural commercialization, resistance and transformations in diets, and diversification and specialization as livelihood strategies is found-each of which emerged within imbricated contexts of African agency, transoceanic exchanges and colonial incursions. Such historical data provide important deep-time perspectives for interventions to address modern food insecurity, as demonstrated through examples of agricultural value chains, 'under-utilized' crops and major infrastructure projects in southeast Africa.

Poverty, policies, and politics: a rights-based approach to food insecurity in Africa

Food and nutrition insecurity remain serious African concerns, reflecting government failure to meet global and regional human rights obligations to assure food availability, accessibility, utilisation, stability, sustainability, and agency. According to recent data, more than one-third of people facing severe food insecurity around the world live in Africa. The numbers may continue to rise in the absence of deliberate and human rightscentred solutions. The second biennial review report of the African Union on the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods conceded that the continent is not on track to meet the targets set out in the Declaration to end food insecurity and improve nutrition. This article investigates and advocates for a human rights-based approach to food andnutrition security. It highlights the critical links between the six main elements of food security, namely, availability, access, utilisation, stability, agency, and sustainability, and the normative obligations of states on the right to food and its interdependence with other fundamental human rights. It critically analyses the available legal frameworks on addressing foodinsecurity and its challenges, and proposes a human rights-based approach.

Impact of Community-Level Infrastructure on Household Food Insecurity in Africa

Although income levels play a critical role in determining a household's food security status, this alone cannot fully explain the variations in the phenomenon. To fully explore food insecurity, it is essential to consider non-household factors such as social and physical infrastructure, which directly impact people's quality of life. In this study, we used data from rounds 6, 7, and 8 of the Afrobarometer survey conducted between 2014 and 2021 to investigate the relationship between infrastructure deficit and household food insecurity vulnerability in Africa. Our findings from multilevel logistic regression showed that access to social and physical infrastructure can alleviate household food insecurity vulnerability to varying degrees. For instance, having an electricity grid and a public water supply system can reduce the likelihood of food insecurity by 15% and 13%, respectively. Similarly, having a bank and a health clinic in a community can reduce the possibility of food insecurity by 6% and 3%, respectively. These findings revealed that physical infrastructure has a more substantial impact on reducing food insecurity than social infrastructure. Nevertheless, African governments should focus on investing in both types of infrastructure and ensuring that it is distributed fairly and equitably to benefit all.

Evaluation of the Total Aflatoxin Level in Certain Cereals and Legumes Highly Consumed in Mali

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) reaffirmed lofty and ambitious goals on seven main issues. Similarly, the Consolidated Action Plan for Africa (CAAP) has set priority science and technology projects. The achievement of an essential objective; common to both, namely: "Agriculture and food security", will strongly depend on the good knowledge and sustainable use of biological diversity, particularly microbial. Mali depends largely on agriculture and needs an annual growth of 6% or more in this sector to achieve sustainable development in general. However, the contamination of cereals and legumes essential to reduce food insecurity in Africa, aggravated by the proliferation of toxigenic fungi, constitutes a main constraint to the supply of healthy foods. However, in order to optimally target and implement these options, it is imperative that mycotoxin contamination is quantified and mapped. Three hundred and eighty-four (384) representative samples (1-2 kg per sample) were collected from different markets in Koutiala, S?gou, Bamako and Koulikoro in 2018 and 2020 to determine their fungal flora, the natural incidence of mycotoxins. All samples analyzed were contaminated with fungi, in the range of 1.2.105 to 33.5.105 CFU/g. SAS software was used for all analyzes and differences were considered significant when p<0.05. All cereals analyzed contain aflatoxins. Because of the high consumption and high levels of aflatoxins in beans and maize in the samples analyzed, we suggest periodic monitoring and the application of Hazard Analysis and Control (HACCP) prevention and control of mycotoxins in the production and industry of human food in Mali.

Consumption patterns and usage of selected underutilized legumes in a Ghanaian community

AbstractUnderutilized legumes are a good source of plant proteins, but they exhibit a hard‐to‐cook nature and poor digestibility due to the presence of anti‐nutritional factors. This study focused on the factors that drive the utilization of selected underutilized legumes in the Techiman municipality of Ghana. The legumes studied were Vigna subterrenea (Bambara groundnut), Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea), Phaseolus lunatus (Lima bean), Parkia biglobosa (African Locust bean), and Canavalia gladiata (Sword bean). The survey provided insight into the familiarity, uses, preparation methods, and the extent of knowledge of their nutritional benefits. The demographics of the participants studied were also described, and statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the legumes were well recognized despite their underutilized status and they find use primarily in domestic savory food preparation. Consumption was mostly occasional despite the knowledge of its nutritional benefits. Processing mainly referred to boiling with prior removal of foreign materials and soaking in water. Nutrition stood out as the most desired property. Strategies aiming at maximizing the use of these legumes must be considered and developed since these legumes appear to be a formidable resource for combating the prevalent food insecurity in Africa.

Enhancing the functional and physicochemical properties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit through polysaccharides edible dipping technique coating under various storage conditions

The rate of postharvest losses (20–65%) from tomato fruits contributing to food insecurity in Africa has attracted great attention globally. The present study was carried out to investigate the influence of three polysaccharide edible coatings; Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Xanthan gum (XG) and Pectin on postharvest quality and antioxidants stability of Ada Lorry Tyre (ALT) tomato fruit at ambient condition (25 °C, Relative humidity (RH): 80–85%) and refrigeration condition (5 °C, RH: 80–85%) for 14 days. The ALT ripe fruits were dipped in different concentrations of the polysaccharides and control with distilled water. Postharvest quality characteristics, as well as antioxidants properties of the ALT tomato fruits, were improved by coating treatment at refrigerated temperatures compared to ambient temperatures and control samples. Results revealed that polysaccharides edible coating (2 g) exhibited significant reduction in water vapour permeability, maintain lycopene, ascorbic acid, colour, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TTA), moisture content, and pH. Principal components analysis also demonstrated that ALT fruits contain a good source of antioxidants. Therefore, results of the present study suggested that ALT tomato fruits postharvest quality and antioxidants can be improved by polysaccharide edible coating at refrigerated storage temperature during storage.

Empowering agriculture: A holistic approach to combat food insecurity in Africa

This research offers an in-depth examination of the factors contributing to food insecurity in developing regions, focusing on Africa. It presents a multifaceted approach to address these challenges. The study investigates the effects of gender disparities, natural disasters, climate change, and the transition from agriculture to oil production on food security. Additionally, the research underscores the crucial role of governments in delivering essential infrastructure, education, and effective monitoring systems to enforce environmental regulations. The significance of social networks, farmer collaboration, and innovative strategies such as crop rotation, mechanized farming systems, and agro-biotechnology in enhancing agricultural output and achieving food security is also highlighted. By integrating these various elements, the research provides a novel and comprehensive perspective on addressing food insecurity, emphasizing the need for cooperation among governments, the agricultural sector, and communities in developing regions to foster sustainable development and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

COVID-19 and food insecurity in Africa: A review of the emerging empirical evidence

Abstract The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risks rolling back many of the efforts and global successes recorded in reducing poverty and food insecurity. We undertake a systematic search and review of the growing microeconomic literature on the association between COVID-19 and food insecurity in Africa, discussing its implications for food policy and research. Furthermore, we review the various coping strategies households employ to build resilience to COVID-19. The evidence indicates that COVID-19 is associated with an increase in food insecurity both ex-ante and ex-durante. Given the covariate nature of COVID-19 and associated control mechanisms, current evidence is short of providing clear causal learning. We provide some potential interesting areas where future efforts can be geared to improve learning on the relationship between COVID-19, food insecurity, and building resilience to shocks.

The Inter-Relationship between Climate Change, Inequality, Poverty and Food Security in Africa: A Bibliometric Review and Content Analysis Approach

Despite the persistent income inequality and climate change shocks in Africa, there is limited research on their effects on food security. Hence, this study adopted a mixed-methods approach including a bibliometric analysis and content analysis to examine emerging themes in the literature on climate change, inequality and poverty, and food insecurity in Africa. The bibliometric data used were retrieved from the Scopus database for the period 2000–2022. The exercise revealed an increasing trend in the number of publications in the field, as well as strong collaboration between African countries. Specifically, most of the leading research was published by Kenyan, USA, and UK institutes. From the analysis, seven themes emerged; namely; (1) the impact of governance and policy on poverty alleviation, nutrition status, and food security; (2) the role of innovation and sustainable agriculture in mitigating climate change in developing countries; (3) integrating gender in evaluations of the impact of climate change on food security and livelihoods in Africa; (4) climate change adaptation among smallholders in building resilience for nutrition; (5) the role of institutions in assisting smallholders mitigate and adapt to climate shocks; (6) inequality, food unavailability, and agricultural production; and (7) gendered impacts of climate-smart agriculture in climate adaptation and mitigation. We also found out that there was a dearth of longitudinal studies on these seven themes. Another key element revealed by the study was the lack of policies that address the gender-differentiated impacts of climate change; hence, there is limited research on the agricultural gender productivity gap. Policies based on the tenants of socio-economic inclusion need to guide the distribution of wealth and economic participation in order to reduce inequality and improve food security and nutrition outcomes.

Low-Quality Seeds, Labor Supply and Economic Returns: Experimental Evidence from Tanzania

Abstract Low productivity in agriculture is a major cause of poverty and food insecurity in Africa. One explanation for low productivity is the widespread presence of low-quality inputs on local markets (“lemon technologies”), which causes uncertainty among farmers and erodes incentives for adoption. We report the results from a field experiment in Tanzania to study the impact of improved maize seeds in a context where we exogenously vary seed quality and uncertainty about seed type. The analysis is at the level of experimental plots owned and managed by farmers (not the entire farm). While improved seed positively affects harvests and reduces the probability of crop failure among fully-informed farmers, these benefits are attenuated significantly when farmers are uncertain about the seed type they receive. The main channel linking uncertainty to lower harvest levels is the re-allocation of labor—a complementary input. The presence of lemon inputs on the market for modern inputs impedes learning about the profitability of these inputs and increases the yield gap by slowing down adoption in subsequent periods.