The Community Action for Food Security (CAFS) Africa has called for urgent and sustainable solutions to tackle the growing issues of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity affecting millions worldwide.
In a statement to mark the 2024 World Food Day, Mr. Azeez Salawu, CAFS Founder, emphasized the need for decisive global action to establish a sustainable, inclusive, and healthy food system. The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Right to Food: For a Better Life and a Better Future.”
“Food security is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of global development and stability,” Salawu said, stressing that incremental changes are no longer sufficient in the face of challenges such as climate change, conflict, and economic instability.
He called for increased investment in critical areas such as sustainable agricultural practices, urging governments to enhance support for methods that protect the environment and promote biodiversity while building resilience to climate change.
Salawu also highlighted the need to equip farmers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and technology to ensure long-term food security. He underscored the importance of supporting young farmers and agri-preneurs, stating that “young people play a crucial role in shaping the future of global food systems.”
Furthermore, Salawu advocated for greater access to education, innovation, and capital to foster sustainable solutions, while also emphasizing the need for stronger global collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society.
“Promoting food sovereignty and fair trade is vital for achieving global food security,” he noted, adding that the voices of marginalised communities, including women, smallholder farmers, and indigenous groups, must be amplified in efforts to develop equitable solutions.
Salawu urged global leaders to reaffirm their commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition, reiterating that “the right to food is a fundamental human right.” He called for improved access to nutritious food, reduction in food waste, and better distribution systems, noting that today’s actions will shape the future of food security for generations to come.
In support of CAFS’ call, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports that over 2.8 billion people globally cannot afford healthy diets, with malnutrition cutting across all socio-economic classes, even in high-income nations where unhealthy, convenient food choices are on the rise.
The FAO attributes these challenges to systemic issues within agrifood systems, leading to a lack of affordable, nutritious, and diverse foods for many.
