How Prioritised Policy Commitment Has Improved Food Security and Nutrition in Africa

Abstract

African governments have prioritised food security and nutrition over the past decade and a half. The benefits of this are starting to emerge. Food availability, access and nutrition have been improving and the proportion of people experiencing food insecurity and malnutrition has been declining. However, progress is not adequate to achieve the targets set by the international development goals or continental aspirations. So too, the gains are eroded by significant population growth that increased the absolute numbers of people still suffering. This chapter reviews the policy context of food security and nutrition in Africa and provides evidence of progress on reducing food insecurity and malnutrition – essential factors in ensuring a quality of life. However, more attention is needed to raise incomes and strengthen purchasing power to improve diets for all people in Africa. Overcoming food insecurity and malnutrition is fundamental to improving the quality of life of the current generation and breaking the inter-generational cycle of deprivation. African governments have shown that change and progress are possible. Scaling up the progress will take continued and sustained commitment and more concerted effort to ensure that economic growth drives positive changes in nutrition.