JCU Hosts Discussion on Food Security and Nutrition
In the realm of pressing global concerns, few issues resonate as deeply as food security in Africa. The intricacies of its causes, the resultant malnutrition, and the access to healthy diets in 2023 were discussed by speakers Joyce Njoro, Alison Kentish, and Busani Bafana during a lecture called “Reporting on Food Security and Nutrition with Inter Press Service” held on February 7 at John Cabot University. This event, which was part of the U.N. Talks Lecture Series, was held to spread awareness and give students an eye-opening experience into the main concerns that surround malnutrition in Africa.
Nutritionist Joyce Njoro, specializing in food security and malnourishment, and agricultural development expert Alison Kentish, shared their concerns regarding the food security crisis in Africa. They presented the four pillars of food security – availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability – and illustrated how each facet interconnects to achieve overall stability. Statistics provided through an informational chart by the Suite of Food Security Indicators of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) revealed that 29.6 percent of the global population, approximately 2.4 billion individuals, grappled with moderate to severe food insecurity in 2022.
Not limited to data, the discussion delved into the multifaceted causes underlying food security challenges. Geographical factors such as droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events were underscored. For example, recent severe flooding has displaced around 1.5 million people and wreaked havoc on crops and livelihoods. The resultant surge in food prices exacerbates the economic strain faced by affected regions, hindering their recovery efforts. Educating communities like John Cabot is just the start of a solution to help with this issue.
Journalist Busani Bafana further explained the rising tide of hunger and malnutrition, comparing it to the paradoxical abundance of food globally. He highlighted the fundamental role of food in driving social, economic, and political development across African nations, yet lamented the growing prevalence of poor nutrition and declining food quality.
The expertise and insights shared by these speakers gave attendees a nuanced understanding of the intricate challenges of food security in Africa. They conveyed the urgent need for concerted efforts from governments and international organizations to effectively address these issues and ensure equitable access to nutritious food. Together, collaborative action can pave the way for a more food-secure Africa.
(Lily Saab)
