Africa faces a significant challenge in ensuring food security for its rapidly growing population, which is expected to reach 2.5 billion in the coming decades. In his book Se nourrir, le défi de l’Afrique (Feeding Itself, Africa’s Challenge), Pierre Jacquemot, a former French ambassador to Ghana and Kenya, examines the structural issues that have hindered agricultural development and proposes strategies for sustainable transformation.
The Need for Agricultural Reform
Despite its vast natural resources, Africa struggles to feed its population due to historical, economic, and environmental factors. The colonial legacy contributed to an agricultural model focused on cash crops like coffee, cocoa, and palm oil, rather than staple foods. This has resulted in heavy reliance on food imports, limiting self-sufficiency. Additionally, environmental factors such as land degradation, desertification, and climate-related challenges—ranging from flooding to insect infestations—exacerbate food insecurity.
To address these issues, Africa must shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. Jacquemot highlights agro-ecological methods, including the use of locally adapted seeds and fertilizers, as viable solutions. He also emphasizes the importance of diversification in agricultural production, which can help mitigate risks posed by climate variability and economic disruptions, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis, which led to soaring cereal and fertilizer prices.
Emerging Opportunities for Change
Several factors are driving positive change in African agriculture. Rural electrification is transforming farming communities by enabling irrigation, mechanization, and food storage. Digital banking and mobile technology are providing farmers with financial tools, insurance against climate risks, and greater access to markets. Furthermore, the empowerment of women in agriculture is reshaping food production and nutrition, as women increasingly manage their own plots and contribute to food processing and trade.
Policy and Investment Challenges
Despite commitments by African Union member states to allocate 10% of national budgets to agriculture, many governments have failed to meet this target. The undervaluation of agriculture by policymakers has resulted in inadequate investment in rural development and farming infrastructure. Moreover, land ownership remains a contentious issue, with ongoing disputes over land grabbing by foreign investors and domestic elites. While Africa has some potential for expanding arable land, sustainable intensification—improving productivity on existing farmland—appears to be the most viable path forward.
International financial institutions, such as the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have shown interest in supporting African agriculture. However, challenges remain, including the long investment cycles required for agricultural transformation and the difficulty of securing collateral for rural farmers, many of whom rely on communal land ownership. Innovative financial mechanisms will be necessary to bridge this gap and encourage investment in the sector.
Redefining Africa’s Global Relationships
Jacquemot also explores the evolving relationship between Africa and its global partners, particularly France. He argues that Africa’s push for economic and political self-determination is reshaping its ties with Europe and other international actors. The continent is witnessing a growing movement to move away from Western paternalism and develop endogenous solutions tailored to local needs. While France and other global powers still have a role to play in African development, future collaborations should be based on mutual respect and shared interests rather than outdated colonial frameworks.
Conclusion
Africa’s agricultural transformation is essential for ensuring food security and economic resilience. By embracing sustainable farming techniques, digital innovation, and gender inclusivity, the continent can overcome structural challenges and reduce dependence on food imports. However, achieving these goals requires greater political commitment, strategic investment, and a reimagined approach to international cooperation. Africa’s future in agriculture is promising, but only if bold and decisive actions are taken to support its farmers and food systems.
