Abuja: Experts have called on African governments to invest more in agriculture, rural infrastructure, and trade reforms as sustainable pathways to end hunger and strengthen food security across the continent.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, they made the call in Abuja, at the public presentation of a book ‘How Africa Eats’, authored by Prof. David Luke. Luke, who led discussions at the event, is a Professor of Practice and Strategic Director at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, London School of Economics. He emphasized the urgent need for Africa to rethink its agricultural and trade systems, highlighting the continent’s potential to become a global agricultural powerhouse with proper support.
Prof. Luke noted the sophistication required for successful agricultural production, comparable to that needed for manufacturing. He stressed the importance of young people working alongside experienced smallholder farmers, as a combination of traditional methods and modern knowledge could transform Africa into an agricultural powerhouse. He argued that agriculture remains viable and dynamic, capable of generating employment across the production and processing value chains.
On policy direction, Luke urged governments to invest more in agriculture, emphasizing the need for investments in rural infrastructure, inputs, machinery, and post-harvest facilities. He pointed out the essential role of government involvement in agriculture to ensure food security, contrasting it with manufacturing, which can be left to the private sector.
Despite commitments under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), Luke lamented the insufficient investment in agriculture by African governments and the normalization of food insecurity across the continent. He described the continent’s failure to meet the SDG2 target of ending hunger as an indictment on all Africans.
Regarding foreign aid and investment, Luke highlighted that only about eight percent of foreign aid goes into agriculture, presenting an opportunity for Africans to develop the sector themselves. He cited the global success of native crops like yam and cassava as evidence that other crops could thrive with the right policies.
Prof. Emmanuel Ogunkola of the University of Ibadan emphasized the necessity of government intervention to address market failures in agriculture, recalling the decline of agricultural extension services and advocating for their revival. He called for better coordination among agencies and research institutions to enhance production and value addition, using cocoa as an example of how local processing could boost economic benefits.
Dr. Dayo Kusa, Conflict Transformation Strategist and former Director at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, identified insecurity and corruption as major obstacles to agricultural development in Africa. She praised ongoing efforts to integrate climate adaptation across sectors and urged continued investment in climate-smart agriculture.
Dr. Blessing Irabo-Oza, National President of the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), commended the author for connecting food, trade, and climate change in the book. She stressed the need to change how Africans trade, strengthen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and ensure women and SMEs are central to the food system.
Irabo-Oza highlighted the critical role of women in agriculture, calling for their proper recognition and support at every step. She advocated for stronger implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to encourage Africans to buy from and support Africa.
Earlier, Mr. Lennart Oestergaard, Resident Representative of FES Nigeria, welcomed participants and commended Prof. Luke on his achievements.