African food systems, fundamental to the livelihoods and food security of millions of people, are increasingly jeopardized by the synergistic effects of global crises. This chapter offers an integrated analysis of how such interconnected crises affect African food systems. Using a systematic literature review and the FAO’s Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA) framework, this chapter examines the adaptive capacities of African food systems. Key findings show that climate change disrupts rain-fed agriculture, potentially reducing cereal yields by up to 20% by 2050 and increasing food prices. Market inefficiencies, such as poor infrastructure and limited access to credit, result in postharvest losses of approximately 50% for perishable goods. Conflicts displace populations, destroy agricultural infrastructure, and intensify food security challenges. Additionally, rising energy costs, including an 80% increase in fertilizer prices in 2022, further hinder agricultural productivity and increase food prices. Despite these challenges, targeted interventions, such as investments in infrastructure, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, and integrating digital technologies, offer viable pathways to resilience. By addressing these interconnected vulnerabilities, African food systems can transition toward sustainable, equitable, and resilient frameworks capable of enduring overlapping crises.

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Impact of Global Challenges on the African Food System: A Critical Assessment

  • Neo Mokone,
  • Emmanuel Ndhlovu

摘要

African food systems, fundamental to the livelihoods and food security of millions of people, are increasingly jeopardized by the synergistic effects of global crises. This chapter offers an integrated analysis of how such interconnected crises affect African food systems. Using a systematic literature review and the FAO’s Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA) framework, this chapter examines the adaptive capacities of African food systems. Key findings show that climate change disrupts rain-fed agriculture, potentially reducing cereal yields by up to 20% by 2050 and increasing food prices. Market inefficiencies, such as poor infrastructure and limited access to credit, result in postharvest losses of approximately 50% for perishable goods. Conflicts displace populations, destroy agricultural infrastructure, and intensify food security challenges. Additionally, rising energy costs, including an 80% increase in fertilizer prices in 2022, further hinder agricultural productivity and increase food prices. Despite these challenges, targeted interventions, such as investments in infrastructure, adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, and integrating digital technologies, offer viable pathways to resilience. By addressing these interconnected vulnerabilities, African food systems can transition toward sustainable, equitable, and resilient frameworks capable of enduring overlapping crises.