Posted on October, 16 2024
Africa’s food future lies in protecting our natural resources while meeting the growing demand for food. As Nancy Rapando, WWF Africa Food Systems Lead, and Kristin Davis, Senior Research Fellow at International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), emphasize: “Africa’s natural capital—its resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems—are the backbone of our food systems. Yet they’re depleting faster than we can replenish them. Sustainable food systems prioritising people and the planet are desirable and essential.”
According to the 2024 Living Planet Report, an estimated 30–40% of all food produced is never eaten, representing around a quarter of total global calories. Embedded in lost or wasted food is one-fifth of agricultural land and water used for crops, as well as 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In fishing, the incidental catch of non-target species (commonly referred to as bycatch) results in 9 million tonnes of dead sea life (over 10% of total ocean catch) being discarded, and it poses a major threat to many species.
These numbers are staggering, but also highlight the immense environmental, economic, and human health opportunities in addressing food loss and waste. In countries where farm and fishery losses are high due to poor infrastructure, investing in supply chain infrastructure – such as post-harvest storage technologies, processing techniques, and packaging – can significantly reduce food loss and waste. For example, in Lake Naivasha in Kenya, poor supply chain infrastructure and coordination led to nearly 50% of post-harvest food being lost. With the construction of a fresh vegetable shop equipped with solar-powered cooling facilities and collectively owned by 146 farmers, food loss has dropped below 10%.
Six essential actions, from improving farming practices and sustainable fishing techniques to enhancing post-harvest storage and reducing waste, can lead to a more sustainable food system that feeds the planet without depleting its resources.
Why Must We Act Now?
6 Calls to Action for a Sustainable Food Future:
- Embrace Biodiversity in Food Production Landscapes Africa’s agricultural landscapes are rich with biodiversity, from pollinators to soil organisms that boost crop yields and ecosystem services. By enhancing landscape complexity and recognizing the role of biodiversity, we can foster resilience in food systems. This means moving beyond protected areas to include farmlands, working in harmony with nature.
- Rethink Production Within Planetary Boundaries Sustainable intensification, agroecology, and regenerative practices are not optional; they’re imperative. By investing in nature-positive practices and infrastructure, we can increase yields without excessive farmland expansion. This includes supporting smallholder farmers in securing land rights, incentivizing sustainable land use, and directing subsidies toward local innovations.
- Prioritize Land Use Planning to Balance Needs Unplanned agricultural expansion puts biodiversity-rich areas at risk. Land use planning that values food production alongside biodiversity and climate resilience is key. A landscape perspective supports agricultural productivity, conserves biodiversity, and addresses climate resilience.
- Shift Diets and Reduce Food Waste Food security isn’t just about production but also about reducing food waste and ensuring access to healthy diets. Urban diets are shifting towards processed foods, while food waste exacerbates cropland expansion. Reducing food waste, recycling, and fostering dietary shifts will ease pressure on ecosystems.
- Align Food Policies for a Nature-Positive Future Food systems influence climate and biodiversity at every level. Harmonizing policies—integrating climate, biodiversity, and land management goals—is crucial. Let’s work across sectors to re-align incentives and tackle trade-offs, making Africa’s food systems work for people and the planet.
- Value the Multifunctionality of Agriculture Agriculture does more than produce food; it provides cultural, economic, and environmental benefits. Our metrics for success must reflect this multifunctional role. We need to assess agricultural lands on their productivity, ecosystem services, and contributions to resilience.
Together, let’s make food systems work for all.