The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stated that governments in all African countries should invest heavily in the development of their agricultural industry to stimulate intra-continental agricultural trade.
The FAO Director-General, José Graziano da Silva, said this on the sidelines of the just-concluded United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.
He noted that the growing demand for food in Africa can serve as an engine for economic development and better nutrition throughout the continent.
“Food imports to Africa have been growing for several decades, helping them stimulate the consumption of nutrients and contribute to higher levels of obesity, while at the same time limiting economic opportunities for domestic food producers,” he said.
He noted that the cost of Africa’s food market is expected to be more than three times as expensive by 2030 to $ 1 trillion a year, adding that, in addition to the main investment, enhanced regional trade will be vital to opening up opportunities for African investors. producers and processors to the future.
With this potential engine for sustainable development, in March 2018, regional governments announced their intention to create an African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aimed at creating an integrated market with a total GDP of $ 3 trillion and covering about 1.3 billion consumers. So far, 49 African governments have been signed.
He also claimed that: “Agro-industrialization allows Africa to preserve its seasonal and rich fruits and vegetables that will be available throughout the year.
“Agribusiness development, which brings together family farmers, shepherds and fishermen to reward markets, can create opportunities for young people, stimulate more environmentally friendly methods throughout the food system and deliver healthier and safer products to consumers.”
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FAO is working with the African Union Commission (AUC) to support expanded trade in agricultural products and food products in a variety of ways, including the development of an Agribusiness Strategy for the Union.
The organization also works with a wide range of accelerator initiatives for agriculture and agribusiness and innovation (3ADI +), which works to create inclusive, efficient, sustainable and competitive chains for agriculture and food production and market systems in the continent.
The FAO Director-General also stressed that agro-industrialization can contribute to the production of local food in Africa, which potentially reduces the dependence of imports of processed foods. According to him, this confirmed a strong link with the rise in obesity and overflow, which deeply affects Africa as part of a global pandemic.
