Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Re: Use and application of CFS policy recommendations on price volatility and food security, and social protection for food security and nutrition

Submission of Asabe Shehu Yar’Adua Foundation on the Use and application of CFS Policy

African food crises are exacerbated by climate change, violence, and inefficient farming. According to FAO and African Union statistics, the food crisis affects 346 million Africans (AU).

As world hunger and malnutrition have increased, progress has halted and ultimately regressed. Food insecurity needs immediate humanitarian aid to prevent mass starvation and worldwide disaster. Other long-term solutions include:

  •  Using agricultural technologies: Agricultural innovations can help farmers produce crops more effectively, minimize waste, satisfy rising food demand, and adjust to climate change. Small-scale producers need these technologies to be productive, lucrative, and sustainable.
  • Helping governments scale up social protection can reduce poverty and improve food security and nutrition for the most vulnerable.
  • Developing climate resilience: Disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation can help communities cope with harsh weather and recover faster from shock.

Many sectors and stakeholders are needed to combat poverty and malnutrition. Sustaining and improving nutrition requires a multisector, and multi-partner strategy at multiple levels, from individuals to households to communities to policy. 

Female and male genders have different nutritional needs. When compared to men, women have a higher risk of malnutrition due to their increased dietary needs, especially during pregnancy and lactation. Women also traditionally dine last in many societies; female members of the household should be allowed to eat healthier meals. Future generations are at risk when women experience malnutrition because it is passed on to their children, either directly (malnourished women are more likely to give birth to smaller and lighter babies) or indirectly (because they lack the knowledge, time, financial resources, or decision-making power to care well for their children). Thus, it is essential that gender differences be taken into consideration whenever crafting new initiatives for social security.  

We can assist everyone get healthy meals through a multisector approach and the ability to satisfy food security, nutrition, vital requirements, risks, and shocks.