Experts who spoke at a recent webinar organized by Young Professionals for Agricultural Development called for the involvement of youth in transforming neglected, climate-resilient local African crops into profitable food systems.
Under the theme 'Innovations Today, Nutrition Tomorrow,' the importance of Africa's agricultural value chain, the heritage of indigenous African foods, agro-processing, market access, nutritional innovation, food security, and the need to transition to a sustainable lifestyle and ensure access to nutritious food were discussed.
Dr. Babafemi Oyewole, CEO of the Pan African Farmers Organisation (PAFO), emphasized the importance of mobilizing African farmers and issued a call to action regarding the value chains of local and underutilized crops.
He noted that Africa possesses exceptional agricultural biodiversity, yet many of these nutritious and climate-resilient crops remain overlooked. Dr. Oyewole stated: 'Africa has a treasure trove of agricultural biodiversity, while millions of its people face hunger, malnutrition, and unemployment. This must change. The youth of Africa represent our greatest opportunity to transform local crops from forgotten agricultural resources into competitive, nutritious, and profitable food products.'
Meanwhile, Dr. Maniu Mutamba, a senior program officer at the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), elaborated on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
He explained that this program expands the continent's ambitions, including combating hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Furthermore, it is seen as an opportunity to triple intra-continental trade and strengthen resilience, as climate change has begun to pose a serious threat to food security and livelihoods across the continent.
Dr. Rachel Mkandavire, Program Manager for Research and Policy Analysis at the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), reported that strategies have been developed on the continent to improve the agricultural sector and combat malnutrition and food shortages.
She explained that countries in the region have committed for many years to increasing agricultural productivity, food security, and nutrition through continental and regional frameworks. She cited South Africa as an example, which has a diverse portfolio of local and traditionally consumed foods, each with varying levels of research, production, and market development. Sorghum is one of the most established examples among them, possessing a long history of cultivation and consumption, as well as existing research, processing, and potential.
Ezinne Sara Otisi, a researcher of indigenous foods and founder of the Agro Food Heritage Initiative, stressed the importance for young farmers to cultivate, preserve, and protect African foods. She stated that young farmers are the future of the food system, and the earlier they start adopting local foods, the better for everyone.
According to her, growing local foods brings numerous benefits in terms of nutrition, environment, economic stability, and cultural preservation. These local foods are rich in nutrients and contain essential vitamins, proteins, fiber, and trace elements, as well as minerals and antioxidants that can help combat malnutrition in various communities and chronic deficiencies.
On the other hand, Enelle Zulu-Ndlovu, a project specialist at the Centre for Community Impact, linked to the Meatless Monday initiative, noted that this strategy encourages consumers to choose diverse, nutritious, and sustainable dietary options. She also pointed out barriers to choosing healthy food beyond national food security issues, including the negative promotion of the fast-food industry. She added that in urban areas where people work late, they prefer convenient options, opting for fast food instead of preparing healthy meals.