Cultivating a Path to Sustainable Food Security in Africa

The most recent estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization show that nearly 282 million people in Africa—about 20 percent of the population—were undernourished in 2022. How, then, can we attain a food-secure Africa devoid of hunger and malnutrition while considering the methods of food cultivation, management, and distribution?

To contribute to this argument, the Nairobi Center hosted Columbia’s SIPA director of the Master of Public Administration in Development Practice (MPA-DP) program, Professor Glenn Denning, a thought leader in food security and global development, for a compelling book talk on his latest book, Universal Food Security: How to End Hunger While Protecting the Planet. With a focus on Africa, Professor Denning illustrated how science, policy, and practice can unite to eliminate hunger while safeguarding our planet effectively.

With four decades of experience in the field, Professor Denning profoundly understands the challenges facing food security and sustainable development in Africa. Driven by expertise and vision, he advocates for a transformative food system that is productive and profitable but also inclusive, healthy, sustainable, resilient, and ethically grounded. In his book, Professor Denning proposes five critical investments: postharvest stewardship, sustainable intensification, market infrastructure, healthy diets, and social protection. 

As a true teacher, Professor Denning opened his lecture by grounding the audience in a shared awareness of the urgency and prevalence of food insecurity in Africa. Referencing the Rome Declaration on World Food Security, he explained that food security is a state in which “all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food… to meet their dietary needs… so they can live an active and healthy life.” Achieving this vision while nourishing people and the planet requires sustainable food systems. Applying this standard to Africa would mean ensuring that every person on the continent has access to a healthy diet sourced from sustainable food systems.

Understanding the Necessity of Food in Africa

It is more important than ever to prioritize addressing hunger in Africa. Further statistics from the 2024 SOFI report illustrate a concerning reality: 300 million individuals in Africa, representing 20 percent of the population, are experiencing hunger, with 58 percent facing moderate to severe food insecurity, nearly double the global average. In 2022, 925 million people, or about two-thirds of Africa’s population, could not afford a healthy diet. 

Professor Denning quoted Josette Sheeran, former Director of the World Food Programme, to emphasize the fundamental necessity of food: “When people don't have food, they only have three options. They migrate, revolt, or die.” Professor Denning expanded on this idea, noting that food insecurity leads to malnutrition, stunting, and reduced cognitive development, profoundly affecting national prosperity and growth.

The double burden of malnutrition in Africa

Professor Denning addressed the double burden of malnutrition. Many countries face both undernutrition and overnutrition, which leads to an increase in non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease. While Africa has made progress in tackling undernutrition, the trend of overnutrition continues to rise. Diets are shifting toward highly refined foods, saturated fats, and sugar, and more sedentary lifestyles are damaging health and productivity.

Transforming Food Production for a Healthier Planet

Our current food production and distribution system negatively impacts the planet. Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s freshwater resources, and 25 to 40% of the earth’s surface is degraded. Biodiversity loss is widespread, and greenhouse gas emissions from the food system contribute to one-third of global emissions. The global food system is failing to deliver on health and environmental well-being, exacerbated by a growing population, climate change, and conflict.

In response to the growing concern, Professor Denning explores the case for sustainable intensification, a strategy that allows farmers to produce more food while reducing environmental impact. In Africa, a key strategy for improving food production would be rehabilitating degraded and neglected land using agroforestry techniques. Malawi offers a hopeful example: simpler nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers doubled production. Since 2004, the African Green Revolution has resulted in a 92% increase in cereal crop production in Malawi, where government subsidies for fertilizers and high-yield maize varieties significantly improved food security.

The Importance of Urban-Rural Linkages in African Food Systems

With around 30% of food produced globally wasted, Professor Denning highlights the need to improve market infrastructure, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where transportation networks are sparse. Improving the connectivity between farmers and urban consumers would help build a more sustainable and efficient system. Doing so would also require extending responsibility beyond governments to include the private sector, NGOs, philanthropies, and universities. He argued that African universities must collaborate more closely with other sectors to address food insecurity.

In conclusion, Professor Denning's book offers a compelling argument to challenge our current system and demand a healthier, sustainable agricultural process. He urges us to imagine a world free of hunger and provides a roadmap for how to begin. He highlights the gaps in the current system and the urgent need to prioritize food security for both people and the planet. Professor Denning addresses the anxiety surrounding our current food systems, which leave millions malnourished while inspiring hope and action through sustainable solutions.