Climate change, population growth, rising food prices, and environmental shocks significantly impact food security. Food security is defined as the consistent physical, social, and economic access to a sufficient supply of safe, nutritious food that meets individual preferences and dietary requirements, and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. It encompasses both the availability of food and the ability of communities to access it. This article examines the state of food security in East Africa, considering factors such as conflict and climate change. It also explores efforts by organizations such as the East African Development Bank (EADB) to build resilience and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Food Insecurity in Africa: By 2025, the World Bank projects that nearly 900 million people will face severe food insecurity. Vulnerable populations, particularly young children and women, will be disproportionately affected. The numbers underscore the severity of this issue, with 22.3 percent of children under the age of five experiencing stunted growth, 6.8 percent suffering from wasting, and 2.1 percent facing severe wasting. Moreover, research shows a positive correlation between food insecurity and an increased risk of anemia across various age groups.
A snapshot of food insecurity in Africa reveals regional differences. West Africa and the Sahel region experienced an overall decline in the prevalence of food insecurity, from 13.4 percent in 2022 to 10.6 percent in 2023, due to higher-than-average agricultural production. In Central and Southern Africa, improved food access and availability following successful harvests drove the reduction of food insecurity. However, over the same period, East Africa faced an escalating food crisis, with 23 percent of the analyzed population experiencing acute food insecurity. Conflict in Sudan, drought in the Horn of East Africa, widespread economic shocks, and extreme weather events contributed to these food shortages.
Conflict remains the primary driver of acute food insecurity in many countries. It has destabilized food production and disrupted global supply chains, leading to forced displacement and increased reliance on food aid. Climate change and natural disasters have also worsened food insecurity. Additionally, economic shocks, inflation, and mounting public debt have undermined access to agricultural inputs, making food availability and affordability an increasing concern for low-income families. About 40 percent of African countries experienced moderate to high food prices in 2021, a significant increase compared to only 13 percent in 2019. In particular, East African countries experienced abnormally high food prices during this period. This crisis worsened in 2022 due to disruptions in food value chains caused by spillover effects of the war in Ukraine.
Achieving the SDGs, particularly “Zero Hunger,” requires investment in efficient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems. However, insufficient public investment in agriculture and food security remains a persistent challenge. Global public investment in agriculture has declined relative to its contribution to global output. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s Agriculture Orientation Index (AOI), which measures public investment in agriculture, dropped from 0.53 in 2019 to 0.48 in 2020 and 0.43 in 2021 worldwide.
Finance and Technology: The EADB is committed to addressing hunger and poverty to meet the 2030 Agenda and create a sustainable, food-secure future for East Africa. The Bank supports programs that “enhance agricultural productivity, conserve soil fertility, reduce post-harvest losses, improve nutritional values, and ensure market access for agricultural products.”
Part of the EADB’s mandate relates to agricultural finance, which plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of African countries. Agricultural finance is a catalyst for strengthening agricultural businesses, enhancing productivity, and supporting technology development. The EADB’s Rural Finance Enhancement Programme (RFEP) focuses on the agricultural sector in Uganda, where 84 percent of the population resides in rural areas and 72 percent is engaged in agriculture. Funded by an €8 million loan from KfW, a Frankfurt-based development bank, RFEP on-lends the funds to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural Uganda to bolster agricultural financial services across the value chain. This support is critical as private sector credit growth has declined. RFEP loans have been distributed across various sectors, including agriculture, trade, transport, and education. Similarly, the EADB’s SME Programme provides funds for agriculture and agricultural value chains in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Through this program, funds are provided to micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in rural communities through digital and other platforms.
Continue reading with Eandel
Subscribe to unlock the complete story and receive your subscriber benefits.
