Assuring food and nutrition security in Africa by 2020: a way forward from the 2020 Africa Conference

This report is the draft outcome document of the Conference on Assuring Food and Nutrition Security in Africa by 2020 held from 1-3 April 2004. It presents recommendations on the steps necessary for moving toward the goal of assuring food and nutrition security in Africa by 2020.Organised by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and hosted by the Government of Uganda, the all-African Conference was part of a longer-term consultative process on action toward food and nutrition security. The conference was organised around three key themes: taking stock and responding to driving forces identifying technical, institutional and political solutions for bringing about change and action in priority areas of intervention examining how key actors can be strengthened and partnerships between and among them facilitated for influencing change In addition, three sets of parallel sessions were held to address regional priorities, implementing action and strengthening stakeholders.The main points of the draft outcome document include: Food and nutrition security for Africa must be achieved because it is a human right as well as a moral and socioeconomic imperative. Food and nutrition security in Africa is receiving renewed attention and commitment, and it is increasingly recognized that the goal can only be achieved with a positive change of attitude, increased investments, and prudent management of resources. The 2020 Africa Conference is part of a longer-term consultative process on real action toward food and nutrition security in Africa. The steps forward must focus on implementing action and on developing a process of learning and change. Specific road maps of change must be developed at regional and country levels, building on existing strategies where appropriate, and facilitated by an organic process. The highest-priority actions are (1) raising agricultural productivity; (2) fostering pro-poor economic growth through improved access to markets, better infrastructure, and greater trade competitiveness; (3) building institutional and human capacity; (4) improving nutrition and health with due attention to HIV/AIDS; and (5) strengthening governance. All of these require added resources, but the benefits of food and nutrition security outweigh the resource needs. Strengthening actors calls for acknowledging and respecting their diversity; creating windows of opportunity for them to exercise their influence; enhancing their capacity to influence and implement action; and empowering them with information and analysis. The rights of all who have a stake in achieving food security, especially food-insecure people themselves, must be respected, protected, facilitated, and fulfilled. Without mechanisms for generating improved incentives for good governance and accountability of all actors, no sustainable progress can be expected. Sharing responsibilities through sound partnerships to achieve food and nutrition security is needed. African governments, private sector, farmers' organisations, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions must commit to measurable good governance, pro-poor development policies, and the scaling up of best practices. Rich countries must commit themselves to access to their markets, expanded knowledge and technology transfer, and greater financial assistance. Facilitating partnerships calls for mutually agreed upon clear contracts and achievable targets that are enforced and monitored. Sound decision-making and implementation of needed action is possible with capacity, good governance, and strengthened institutions. Implementation must focus on strong government capacity, farmers' organisations, incentives for the business sector to engage in agriculture and the food industry, consumers' associations, media, and health systems serving the needs of the poor. As part of good governance, the remaining conflicts on the continent of Africa must be speedily brought to an end if we are to achieve food and nutrition security.