ADDIS ABABA-African youth have pledged to work tirelessly towards achieving food security across the continent by promoting effective resource utilization.
During the “1st Thousand African Youth Summit on Food Systems and Agroecology 2024” in Addis Ababa, youth participants shared their vision with The Ethiopian Herald on advancing food sufficiency in Africa through sustainable resource management.
Famara Conteh, the Coordinator of the Local Rights Program for Action Aid International in The Gambia, emphasized the critical role young people must play in ensuring food sufficiency across Africa. He highlighted the importance of technology adaptation and expansion in addressing Africa’s nutritional challenges.
“Africa may be rich in resources, but its people are still suffering from drought, famine, conflict, and more. To tackle these issues, the younger generation must assume a significant responsibility and foster cooperation on all fronts,” he said.
Conteh further advised that for Africa to guarantee food security, more youth should engage in agriculture, particularly in increasing production, improving productivity, and minimizing post-harvest losses. Additionally, youth must take proactive measures in combating climate change, which presents a growing global risk.
“Agroecology is vital in protecting soil, ecosystems, and indigenous seeds, all while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The youth must champion this cause, working with governments and finding relevant solutions to push forward Africa’s ambition for sustainable food security,” he added.
Supporting these views, Juliet Katusiime (PhD), Senior Program Officer at Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) from Uganda, stressed the need for African youth to focus on agroecology. She pointed out that agroecology is not only about modernizing agriculture but also about protecting the environment, understanding natural systems, and ensuring sustainability.
Katusiime also criticized the influence of foreign powers on the continent under the guise of humanitarian aid, such as food support. “Africa possesses its own resources, but it is not utilizing them effectively. We need a cultural shift and a focus on balanced nutrition led by the youth. Effective agricultural policies that cover the entire process, from seedling to market, are crucial to ensuring nutritional balance,” she noted.
The expert also stressed the need to bridge gaps between resource-rich and resource-poor areas in Africa to create smoother relationships in addressing nutrition.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2024
