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

Author

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  • Lindiwe M. Sibanda

    (Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS), African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), Accra 1233, Ghana
    Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria South Africa, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Sithembile N. Mwamakamba

    (Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), Pretoria 0127, South Africa
    Faculty of Biological Sciences, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK)

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

Suggested Citation

  • Lindiwe M. Sibanda & Sithembile N. Mwamakamba, 2021. "Policy Considerations for African Food Systems: Towards the United Nations 2021 Food Systems Summit," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:9018-:d:613038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mohajan, Haradhan, 2022. "Food Insecurity and Malnutrition of Africa: A Combined Attempt Can Reduce Them," MPRA Paper 112609, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 10 Feb 2021.

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