In Sub-Saharan Africa, the journey from farm to table is filled with obstacles. The continent's food supply chains are lengthy and inefficient, making food security a pressing issue for millions. Despite a 160% increase in food production over the past 30 years, the number of food-insecure individuals has risen by 60% in the last decade, with 58% of Africans now experiencing food insecurity.
Transport inefficiencies play a significant role in this crisis. Food often travels 4,000 kilometers and takes 23 days to reach its destination, resulting in substantial waste. Thirty-seven percent of perishable foods are lost during transit due to poor transport connectivity and other logistical challenges.
The human impact is profound. In southern Madagascar, Volatsarasoa, a mother of four, struggles to feed her family due to high costs and limited availability of imported food following local shortages. Charles Kunaka from the World Bank suggests that "investing in transport infrastructure would go a long way towards ensuring that all Africans have enough to eat."
The World Bank's FlowMax model tracks staple foods across Africa and identifies critical choke points in supply chains. Kunaka highlights that "just 10 African ports handle food for 89 million people," underscoring the importance of targeted investments at these locations.
Trade barriers also contribute to inefficiencies; only five percent of food trade occurs between African countries. Addressing these barriers could help distribute surpluses more effectively.
A new World Bank report outlines actions such as investing in infrastructure, removing trade barriers, strengthening resilience, expanding storage facilities, boosting transport competition, and improving market access as ways to enhance Africa’s food supply chains.
Ethiopia serves as an example where some strategies are being implemented through the Ethiopia Roads Development Program for Results. Binyam Reja from the World Bank emphasizes that "rural connectivity is crucial in Ethiopia’s fight against hunger."
Nicolas Peltier from the World Bank states that "Africa’s food system is in desperate need of an overhaul." A concerted effort from various stakeholders can create a future where no one goes hungry on the continent.