Policy Considerations for African Food Systems: Towards the United Nations 2021 Food Systems Summit

Lindiwe M. Sibanda and Sithembile N. Mwamakamba
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Lindiwe M. Sibanda: Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS), African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), Accra 1233, Ghana
Sithembile N. Mwamakamba: Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), Pretoria 0127, South Africa

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-15

Abstract: Achieving food and nutrition security and ending hunger is a complex and multi-faceted global challenge, which requires urgent attention, particularly in Africa. To eliminate hunger, the continent needs to transition to new sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems that deliver nutritious food and a healthy planet for all. This paper discusses challenges and opportunities highlighted during the “Food Systems Transformation to Address the SDGs” session convened by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and partners at the 8th World Sustainability Forum (WSF2020) held in September 2020. The paper reflects on how African food systems need to change to achieve the food systems related and interconnected the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also presents issues for consideration at the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit. Key considerations include (i) the realization that nutrition insecurity is not food insecurity, (ii) the need for Africa to actualize its potential, (iii) the need to demystify policy development processes; (iv) the need to invest in better measurements and indicators; and (v) the need to create nature-based climate-smart solutions

Keywords: Africa; food systems; transformation; policy development; healthy diets; food and nutrition security; SDGs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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