FACTORS AGGRAVATING FOOD INSECURITY AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH IN AFRICA

Abstract

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the prevalence of food insecurity in Africa remains double the global scale to now reach 58% of its population. Relentless drought and high food prices have weakened the ability of Africans to grow crops, raise livestock, and buy food for their families. Food insecurity is multifactorial. Conflicts, climate change, lack of access to drinking water, poverty linked to economic shocks and inequalities as well as poor agricultural and food policies. The solutions to fight against food insecurity are diverse namely, sustainable livelihoods in rural areas and equitable access to resources, access of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to sufficient, safe and nutritious food, and effective and sustainable intervention plans and
actions to deal with food or agricultural crises. In addition to the factors aggravating food insecurity in Africa, this scourge remains a complex problem affecting human health. Efforts to improve food security must provide sufficient calories and adequate nutrients to strengthen sustainable and accessible food systems.