By Tosin Kolade
The Community Action for Food Security (CAFS) Africa on Thursday called for sustainable solutions to addressing hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity affecting millions globally.
In a statement commemorating the 2024 World Food Day, Mr Azeez Salawu, CAPS Founder, urged world leaders to take actions toward establishing a sustainable, inclusive, and healthy global food system.
This year’s theme is ‘Right to Food: For a Better Life and a Better Future’.
According to him, food security is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of global development and stability.
Salawu noted that relying on incremental changes is insufficient due to the escalating challenges of climate change, conflict, economic instability, and inadequate agricultural practices.
He advocated for immediate and sustained investments in several critical areas to create a more equitable and resilient food system.
He called on governments to enhance support for sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment, promote biodiversity, and strengthen resilience against climate change.
Salawu noted the importance of equipping farmers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and technology to ensure long-term food security.
Salawu urged increased support for young farmers and agri-preneurs, recognising the crucial role of young people in shaping future food systems.
He stated the need for greater access to education, innovation, and capital to foster new ideas and sustainable solutions essential for achieving an equitable food system.
Salawu also underscored the importance of stronger global collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations.
He pointed out that promoting food sovereignty and fair trade is vital for attaining global food security.
He stressed the necessity of amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, including women, smallholder farmers, and indigenous groups, asserting that inclusion should be a priority.
Their participation, he argued, is essential for developing equitable solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
Salawu called on global leaders to commit firmly to ending hunger and malnutrition, reiterating that the right to food is a fundamental human right.
He advocated for strategies that enhance access to nutritious food, reduce food waste, and improve distribution systems.
He added that the actions taken today will shape the future of food security for generations to come.
Salawu urged individuals, organisations, and nations to unite in creating a world with access to nutritious food, empowered farmers, and a safeguarded environment for future generations.
According to the ’Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), no fewer than 2.8 billion people worldwide cannot afford healthy diets, with malnutrition prevalent across all countries and socio-economic classes.
It says that even in high-income nations, individuals are opting for convenient but unhealthy food choices.
The FAO attributes these issues to challenges in agrifood systems, resulting in insufficient and unaffordable nutritious and diverse foods. (NAN)
