WWF-led initiative releases report on sustainable food systems in Africa amid climate crisis

Titled "Analysis of the Implications of Africa’s Food Systems Development on Environmental Sustainability," the report provides key insights and recommendations to promote food security and align with climate and nature commitments throughout the continent.

The report which was officially launched during a side event at COP28 on December 12, 2023, follows the recent endorsement of the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action by 152 countries, including numerous African nations.

This declaration highlights the global consensus on the substantial impact of current food systems on climate change and ecological sustainability.

Nancy Rapando, Africa Food Future Leader at WWF, emphasized the significance of the COP28 UAE Declaration.

“This is a manifestation of the worldwide recognition of the fact that current food systems are a major cause of climate change and other ecological impacts, while food security itself is increasingly under pressure from climate change-related effects, besides other factors such as population growth, urbanization and shifting diets,” she stated.

The comprehensive report delves into the intricate dynamics of Africa's food systems, examining their responses to climate change and other drivers.

Carlo Fadda, Director of Agrobiodiversity at the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, warned of potential catastrophic consequences if insufficient responses are implemented.

“In particular for Africa, where food insecurity is still prevalent in many parts, insufficient responses to the main drivers could be catastrophic to the region’s natural ecosystems, exacerbating climate change while leading further loss of food production and other ecological provisioning functions, ultimately affecting the lives and wellbeing of its population,” said Fadda.

The report identifies key policy levers and provides recommendations to steer away from unsustainable "business as usual" trajectories. These recommendations are categorized into three main approaches: changing food production systems, planning where to grow, and influencing food demand and consumption patterns.

Dr. Claudia Ringler, Director of the Natural Resources and Resilience Unit at the International Food Policy Research Institute, emphasized the critical importance of equitable climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, optimizing water-energy-food-environmental systems, and fostering good governance of natural resources.

”Ensuring equitable climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, optimization of water-energy-food-environmental systems, good governance of natural resources, and innovations for food and environmental systems is critical to ensure food and nutrition security in the face of challenges,” said Dr Ringler.