The status of food security in Africa

Abstract

The present report uses most recent available food security data and research to provide an updated review of the status of food security in Africa in all of its four commonly discussed dimensions – availability, accessibility, stability and utilization. This is in light of the most recent structural changes that have been shaping the global and regional working policy space where global food security is increasingly and repeatedly being threatened. This food security status report is organized as follows: first, a brief background is provided to present the key food security issues and challenges, including the most salient registered trends and drivers of global and local developments in food output and prices over the period 2000-2010. The report concludes with a few lessons drawn from recent food crises experiences and key related actionable recommendations suggested to inform leaders and policymakers – politicians and opinion leaders alike - to act as they discuss ‘the how’ of solving the African food security problem at hand. The report focuses on Africa in general and on sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in particular. Key policy messages for actions are highlighted in italics throughout the report. Figures and tabled information are all listed and attached in the annex to the report along with references.