The Fight for Food Sovereignty in Africa
- Niclas Fjellström
- Feb 22
- 1 min read
Food sovereignty has become a pressing issue across Africa, where local farmers and governments are pushing for policies that prioritize indigenous agricultural practices and food security. Many African nations are working to reduce dependency on imported food and regain control over their food systems by advocating for sustainable and community-driven agriculture.
In Senegal, the Agroecology Transition Program supports smallholder farmers in adopting organic farming techniques that align with traditional methods while increasing resilience to climate change. Similarly, in Nigeria, the Food Sovereignty Alliance is actively campaigning for the protection of native seed varieties and against corporate control of agricultural resources. In Ethiopia, efforts are being made to revive ancient grain cultivation, such as teff, which is integral to local diets and economy. The increased focus on community-led seed banks and traditional farming knowledge is helping smallholder farmers withstand economic and climatic shocks.
Governments are also stepping in to ensure food security. The African Union’s Malabo Declaration sets targets for reducing food imports and promoting agricultural investment across the continent. While progress is slow, these efforts are critical in preserving Africa’s culinary heritage and ensuring that traditional diets remain accessible to local populations. As global supply chains face disruptions, investing in regional food hubs and empowering women farmers, who make up a significant portion of Africa's agricultural workforce, is essential to sustaining long-term food sovereignty. (www.theguardian.com)
