The African Union(AU) held a conference in Addis Ababa today regarding food security and access to nutritious food, which is a pressing issue on the continent.
Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairman of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA ) Hailemariam Dessalegn, said that Africa needs international cooperation more than ever for its efforts to ensure food security.
He went on to address some of the critical challenges that Africa is now facing, including the fact that the impacts of climate change are having a negative impact on the continent’s agriculture and that many Africans are unable to afford to eat once a day.
“The worldwide conflicts, the increase in the price of fertilizers, food and fuel have negatively affected the production and productivity of the continent,” he added.
Additionally he revealed that the geo-political tensions and other additional problems in Africa have hampered efforts to ensure food security and make the food system accessible.
In order to address the predicaments, H.E. Hailemariam advised that international organizations band together and increase support by using a standardized method of operation.
He also emphasized how Ethiopia’s production of wheat and green legacy had made it a role model for Africa, and he urged other African nations to build on this success.