With vast arable lands, why is Africa dependent on imported grain?

The article highlights the severe food and fuel crisis in Africa, attributed to the Russian army's blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports and Western sanctions against Russia, which have led to a surge in global food and fuel prices. These events have exacerbated the food insecurity in Africa, already weakened by the pandemic and a long-lasting drought. The continent's reliance on Russia and Ukraine for a third of its wheat imports and the increase in global food prices have led to the need for more self-sufficiency in food production. However, the continent faces challenges in this regard, including the neglect of indigenous crops in favor of mass production of maize and wheat. Additionally, the article discusses the potential of indigenous crops to improve food security, enhance health benefits, ecological advantages, and empower subaltern communities if production barriers are addressed. Nevertheless, the article also mentions the dilemma faced by African nations in choosing between mass production of crops for export or producing indigenous crops to feed their population.