Opinion: Last year’s hunger front and center: let’s build on it

Last year, hunger (including malnutrition insecurity) was the top national and global challenge.

Domestically, the White House conference on hunger, nutrition and health took center stage. September 28th^th, President Biden announced two goals to end hunger in the United States by 2030. and reduce victims of diet-related illnesses.

Global attention has turned to Africa for good reason. Africa has the biggest hunger problem and is most likely to increase production. Africa is also growing in political and economic importance. It has the fastest growing economy, a booming population, and holds her quarter of all votes at the United Nations. Moreover, as global alliances are reorganized, Africa will become more important to national security.

Last year, Africa caught the attention of USDA, states, Treasuries and USAID. President Biden then closed the year by inviting African leaders from his December 13th to his 15th. The Vision Statement for the US-Africa Partnership states:

On the occasion of the US-Africa Summit in Washington, DC, the United States and the African Union, under the leadership of President Joseph R. Chairman Faki Mahamat affirms our commitment to strengthen longstanding areas of cooperation and expand partnerships to better respond to the common challenges and opportunities of our dynamic times. The United States and African nations recognize that our world is changing rapidly, and this summit is a reflection of how our relationship with the world is evolving. We will deepen our cooperation to solve global problems and shape the rules of technology, space, cybersecurity, trade, environmental protection and economics. ”

The vision statement continues with specific references to agriculture.

“We are dedicated to responding to the current food security crisis and strengthening a resilient and sustainable food system. We recognize the need and will continue to partner to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities. But responding to emergencies alone is not enough. We have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at deepening our cooperation to increase food production capacity and diversify and strengthen the resilience of food supply chains. ”

Improving global food security is the very goal of the USDA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) early last year. Mr. Vilsak signed an MOU with H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Chairman of the AGRA Board and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia. The Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) assisted in the preparation of the MOU.

Vilsak signed an MOU with AGRA President Hailemariam Desalegn. (Photo: Marshal Matz)

Potential is important for Africa and the United States. Africa’s production is only 10% of ours, even though a much larger portion of the African population is engaged in agriculture. , we may be able to play a greater role by collaborating more with African agricultural scientists. of agricultural professionals and expertise in developing science-based solutions to some of the most vexing challenges facing the continent. You have to start with an inventory of what’s going on at the moment and build from there.

Africa is the future, and the Biden administration seems to fully appreciate this opportunity. In some ways, the US is trying to “catch up” with the Chinese, who are investing heavily in Africa. For example, China built its entire African Union headquarters in Ethiopia. But if the U.S. remains fully committed to the vision statement released last month, it won’t be too late.

Marshall Matz is a senior attorney at OFW Law in Washington, DC, specializing in food security.

For more AG news and opinions, visit www.Agri-Pulse.com.