Editorial: The Imperative for African Nations to Prepare for the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali

“The Africa Food Systems Forum, 2023 in Tanzania, underscored the complex connection between agriculture, nutrition, infrastructure, climate change, and resilience, providing guidance on how best to steer the continent towards a transformative strategy for food systems,” said the Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum. “By integrating these interconnected elements, we can chart a path towards sustainable and resilient food systems that address the unique challenges faced by our continent.”

As we approach the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, the call to action for every African nation becomes ever more urgent. The AFSF is not just a gathering; it is a crucial platform for shaping the future of our continent’s food systems. The theme “Recover, Regenerate, Act: Africa’s Solutions to Food Systems” from the previous forum highlights the transformative journey we must continue. This editorial underscores the imperative for African nations to prepare diligently for the AFSF and build upon the momentum of past summits.

The forthcoming AFSF presents an unparalleled opportunity to address pressing issues at the intersection of food systems, climate, and the environment. As countries converge in Kigali, the focus will be on accelerating initiatives that ensure sustainable, nutritious, and resilient food systems. The forum’s agenda is set against pivotal global milestones, including the Sustainable Development Impact Summit and COP 29. African nations must present a unified and robust strategy to showcase our continent’s innovative solutions to these global challenges.

Reflecting on the Africa Climate Summit, COP 28, and the Africa Food Systems Forum 2023, it is evident that significant progress has been made. These summits have set the stage for groundbreaking initiatives like Tanzania’s Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) program. This program engages youth in agribusiness and exemplifies how targeted efforts can promote sustainable livelihoods and economic growth. Such initiatives must be highlighted and expanded upon at the AFSF to inspire similar actions across the continent.

Preparation for the AFSF requires a strategic approach. Each nation must evaluate its progress, identify gaps, and formulate actionable plans that align with the forum’s objectives. This involves governmental efforts and robust collaboration with private sector partners. Public-private partnerships drive innovation, enhance productivity, and ensure food security. The forum in Kigali will be an ideal stage to demonstrate how these collaborations can lead to transformative outcomes.

Furthermore, the AFSF offers a chance to reassess and strengthen policies that support food systems. African nations have made strides in policy reform, focusing on short-term food security while fostering long-term sustainability. The forum will provide a platform to share these policy successes and learn from each other’s experiences. By doing so, we can collectively advance towards a more resilient and prosperous future.

A look back at past summits reveals a pattern of progress and learning that must inform our preparations for the 2024 AFSF. The Africa Climate Summit and COP 28 were significant in galvanizing continental action on climate change, with a strong emphasis on its impact on agriculture. The insights gained from these summits underscore the interconnectedness of climate action and food security. They highlight the need for integrated approaches that address climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and sustainable practices.

At the 2023 Africa Food Systems Forum, the theme “Recover, Regenerate, Act” resonated deeply with the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen food systems after the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussions and outcomes of this forum provided a roadmap for recovery and regeneration, focusing on Africa’s unique solutions to its food system challenges. These insights should be the foundation for preparations for the 2024 AFSF.

The Building a Better Tomorrow (BBT) program launched by Tanzania is a prime example of how targeted initiatives can significantly impact. By engaging youth in agribusiness, the BBT program addresses multiple challenges: unemployment, food insecurity, and economic stagnation. Such programs demonstrate the potential of agribusiness as a driver of sustainable development and should be a central focus at the AFSF. Highlighting these success stories can inspire other nations to adopt similar approaches tailored to their contexts.

The importance of youth and women in transforming Africa’s food systems cannot be overstated. They represent a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce and hold the key to innovative practices and sustainable growth. The AFSF should prioritize discussions on empowering these groups, providing them with the resources, knowledge, and support needed to lead in agribusiness. This includes access to finance, training in sustainable practices, and inclusion in policy-making processes.

Collaboration is crucial for the success of the AFSF. The public and private sectors must work together to create an enabling environment for agricultural innovation and investment. Public-private partnerships can drive research and development, improve market access, and enhance infrastructure. These partnerships should be showcased at the forum, providing a blueprint for collaborative efforts that can be replicated across the continent.

The role of technology in transforming agriculture is another critical area for discussion at the AFSF. Technological advancements can revolutionize farming practices, increase efficiency, and reduce environmental impact. From precision agriculture to digital platforms for market access, technology offers solutions to many challenges facing Africa’s food systems. The forum should highlight successful case studies and explore ways to scale these technologies continent-wide.

Policy reform is essential for creating a conducive environment for sustainable food systems. African nations have made commendable progress in this area, but more needs to be done. The AFSF provides an opportunity to review and strengthen policies that support food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. This includes policies that promote land tenure security, encourage sustainable farming practices, and facilitate market access.

The forum should also address the challenges posed by climate change. Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, threatening agricultural productivity and food security. Climate resilience must be integrated into all aspects of food systems, from production to distribution. The AFSF should emphasize the need for climate-smart agriculture and highlight successful adaptation strategies.

As we prepare for the 2024 AFSF, engaging all stakeholders in the process is crucial. This includes governments, private sector partners, civil society, and international organizations. A collaborative approach ensures that diverse perspectives and expertise are brought to the table, resulting in comprehensive and practical solutions.

The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali is a critical milestone for Africa. It is a chance to consolidate our gains, share innovative solutions, and set a course for a sustainable future. By preparing diligently and leaning on the lessons from past summits, African nations can ensure that the AFSF becomes a turning point in our collective journey towards food security and resilience. Let us embrace this opportunity with determination and vision, showcasing the strength and potential of Africa’s food systems to the world.

The journey to Kigali is not just about attending a forum but about demonstrating our commitment to sustainable development and our readiness to lead in agricultural innovation. It is about ensuring that the voices of our youth and women are heard and that they are empowered to drive the change we need. It is about creating an Africa where food security is a reality for all, and where our food systems are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

As we look ahead to the 2024 AFSF, let us remember the words of the late Kofi Annan, who once said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Let us prepare for Kigali with the same spirit of determination and hope, knowing that the future of our continent’s food systems depends on our actions. Together, we can build a better tomorrow for Africa, where every nation thrives and every person has access to nutritious and sustainable food.