Lost Crops provide a unique opportunity for food security in Africa

Published Jun 27, 2024

Tridge summary

Oxfam research reveals that seven people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan die from hunger every day, as Africa's rapid population growth outpaces food production. The continent, with 65% of the world's arable uncultivated land, is shifting away from traditional crops towards uniform diets, neglecting potential food sources. The concept of "orphan crops," such as millets and sorghum, which are adaptive and nutrient-rich, is gaining attention. The United Nations has proclaimed 2023 as "The year of the Millet," emphasizing the need to prioritize these crops. Africa and India are leading efforts to incorporate orphan crops into their food systems, facing challenges like a weak value chain and lack of investment. Consumers, food companies, and R&D investment are key to promoting these crops as a sustainable solution to hunger and nutrition needs.
Disclaimer: The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Zoë Karl-Waithaka, Managing Director and Partner, BCG Nairobi According to research released by Oxfam in 2023, seven people across Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan will die of hunger-related causes in the time it takes the average reader to complete this article. It is imperative that all stakeholders in the food and agriculture sectors recognise that there can no longer be a “business as usual” approach. Something has to change, and quickly. SOS Sahel’s Africa Days Forum taking place on 27th and 28th June 2024 in Senegal will this year be focused on “Lost Crops, New Opportunities: Securing our Future with the Crops of the Past” and is expected to be a key forum for introducing new ideas to tackle this challenge. Although Africa’s population has doubled in the last 30 years, food production has not kept pace with yields often below the global average. Africa has 65% of the world’s arable uncultivated land, varied agricultural environments and rich plant life that make it ...
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