Advancing the right to food through science-driven solutions

15 November 2024

During the recent celebration of this year's World Food Day, global leaders, researchers, and young advocates gathered at the historic Balcony Hall of Hohenheim Palace to champion the theme, "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future." This year's event, focused on Building Sustainable and Resilient Agri-Food Systems, was hosted by the University of Hohenheim, drawing a diverse audience committed to creating equitable, sustainable food systems worldwide.

The event spotlighted three prominent speakers, with Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, delivering the keynote address.

Dr Ehui's presentation, titled "Science-Driven Transformation of Agri-Food Systems: CGIAR's Impact in Africa," highlighted the critical role of research, science, and partnerships in transforming agriculture across the African continent, addressing pressing global food challenges and securing food rights for all.

He highlighted CGIAR's mission to reduce hunger and poverty, particularly amid climate challenges, and outlined CGIAR's long-term vision for resilient food systems through innovations that boost food production and enhance health, nutrition, and trade.

"To meet the food demands of Africa's growing population, projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, we need robust, scalable solutions that can withstand climate impacts and restore our natural resources," Dr Ehui emphasized.

Having dedicated a significant share of its resources to Africa-over 60% of its budget invested in the region-as the world's largest publicly funded research consortium, CGIAR's Africa-based centers work closely with government agencies, private sector partners, and local stakeholders to pioneer agricultural innovations designed to foster sustainability and resilience. Dr Ehui emphasized the impact of collaborations with African leaders, including the African Union and various sub-regional organizations, to further amplify CGIAR's impact, delivering practical, science-based solutions directly to communities across the continent.

Dr Ehui particularly highlighted CGIAR's collaboration through IITA, the Excellence in Agronomy Initiative, and Germany's BMZ and GIZ on a new initiative for soil health and fertilizer improvement, which positions IITA at the forefront of Africa's agricultural transformation agenda.

He said, "Healthy soils are the foundation of productive agriculture, and this initiative will play a pivotal role in empowering farmers and fostering sustainable farming practices."

With Africa facing several formidable challenges in agriculture, including 65% of the continent's land already degraded, the urgency of science-backed restoration is critical.

He pointed out that climate change, erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme rainfall pose an existential threat to Africa's food systems and water resources.

"The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that if these trends continue, Africa's agricultural output could decline by 30% by 2100-a scenario with catastrophic implications for global food security," he said.

Closing his keynote with an appeal for ongoing support for research initiatives, Dr Ehui highlighted the vital importance of CGIAR's research-for-development (R4D) efforts, which have yielded countless innovations across Africa's farming landscapes. These innovations, spanning improved crop varieties, climate-smart agriculture techniques, and community resilience-building strategies, represent a beacon of hope for a sustainable, equitable, and food-secure future.

Contributed by 'Timilehin Osunde.

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