Hub | Africa Economic Forum International Development

Overview

The Africa Food Security Hub is a centre that aims to transform Africa’s food security by strengthening the agricultural system. The hub was launched in 2023 by the Africa Economic Forum International Development, with the support of other partners. The hub provides technical assistance, training, and funding for agricultural initiatives in Africa. The hub also facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and best practices among the African agricultural stakeholders.

The hub covers four main thematic areas: sustainable farming, food distribution, agricultural information systems, and agricultural workforce development. The hub has partnered with several African countries and regions, such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and the West African Agricultural Organization.

What We Do

The Africa Food Security Hub does the following:

Support sustainable farming:

The hub supports sustainable farming, which means that everyone can access the agricultural resources they need, without causing harm to the environment. The hub works with national and regional authorities, institutions, and organizations to develop and implement policies and programs that ensure the availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of agricultural resources for all. The hub also advocates for increased and sustainable financing for agriculture, as well as social protection and insurance schemes for farmers.

Enhance food distribution:

The hub enhances food distribution, which means that people are protected from the risks and impacts of food shortages and famines. The hub works with national and regional authorities, institutions, and organizations to strengthen the capacities and capabilities of agricultural systems to prevent, detect, and respond to food threats. The hub also supports the implementation of the International Food Regulations and the One Agriculture approach, which promote the coordination and collaboration among different sectors and stakeholders in addressing food risks at the human-animal-environment interface.

Improve agricultural information systems:

The hub improves agricultural information systems, which means that reliable and timely data and information are collected, analysed, and used for agricultural decision-making and action. The hub works with national and regional authorities, institutions, and organizations to develop and implement policies and standards that ensure the quality, interoperability, and security of agricultural data and information. The hub also supports the use of digital technologies and innovations, such as mobile agriculture, electronic agricultural records, and artificial intelligence, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural data and information management and utilization.

Develop agricultural workforce:

The hub develops an agricultural workforce, which means that sufficient and competent agricultural workers are available and motivated to provide quality agricultural services. The hub works with national and regional authorities, institutions, and organizations to develop and implement policies and programs that ensure the planning, production, distribution, and retention of agricultural workers, especially at the agricultural level. The hub also supports the training, supervision, and motivation of agricultural workers, as well as the recognition and regulation of their roles and responsibilities.

Why We Do It

The Africa Food Security Hub does it because:

Food security is essential for health improvement:

Food security is the first level of contact and the backbone of the agricultural system, as it provides comprehensive, integrated, and people-centered agricultural services, from promotion and prevention to treatment and rehabilitation. Food security can help improve the health and well-being of the population by ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

Africa Food Security Hub