ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (BG) — The African Union (AU) on Saturday emphasized the urgent need for a holistic approach to food security, citing its direct impact on economic stability and peace.

In 2022, Africa had 282 million hungry people—38% of the global total—while 77.5% of the continent’s population could not afford a healthy diet, according to the AU.

Climate change, armed conflict, and economic instability continue to exacerbate food insecurity, pushing millions into hunger and malnutrition.

Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, the AU’s special envoy for food systems, stressed that weak food systems contribute to instability and conflict, particularly in remote areas where nutritious food remains scarce and expensive.

Post-harvest losses, market volatility, and inadequate infrastructure further entrench the crisis.

The AU highlighted the need for regenerative agriculture, climate adaptation, and stronger local food systems.

The Feed Africa Strategy and the African Risk Capacity initiative were presented as key solutions, helping governments respond to climate-related shocks and invest in food production.

Citing Singapore as an example, the AU urged African nations to diversify food imports, invest in urban agriculture, and strengthen regional trade.

Political determination and collaboration among governments, the private sector, and communities were essential to building resilient food systems.

“Africa does not require a complex, reinvented strategy—she simply needs to break free from the illusion of complexity and take decisive action,” the statement read.

“The time to leverage our food systems to address conflict, instability and the humanitarian crisis is now.”