Sakeus Iikela
Chairperson of the National Council Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha, has called on African leaders to revisit their socio-economic developmental agendas and prioritise eradicating hunger and poverty on the continent.
He made these remarks during a discussion on food security at the 18th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
According to him, poor planning and lack of implementation of transformative policies are some of the factors hindering food security as many people on the continent “face significant challenges in accessing adequate, safe, and nutritious food daily”.
Africa finds itself grappling with hunger levels not seen since 2005, exacerbated by climate shocks, price shocks, pandemics, conflicts, and a lack of political will and action.
To tackle this crucial issue, Hon. Muha urged leaders to revisit the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 – “End Hunger.”
This goal seeks to achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by the year 2030.
The failure to implement agreed Sustainable Development Goals due to “business-as-usual approaches” by state actors has hindered progress, Hon. Muha said.
According to the UN SDG Progress Report for May 2023, the number of people facing hunger and food insecurity has been on the rise since 2015, with projections indicating that approximately 670 million people will still be facing hunger by 2030.
This alarming situation, Hon. Muha said, demands immediate and intensified efforts to transform food systems, to ensure food security, and invest in sustainable agriculture.
Hon. Muha emphasised that a fundamental shift is needed to place the world on a better path towards achieving the SDGs.
This he said includes efforts towards enhancing agriculture investment with targeted interventions and people-centred approaches to food systems in Africa.
This approach not only has the potential to generate more jobs and promote trade but also enhances resilience against future shocks, he said.
“Food insecurity not only affects individuals and families but also hampers the long-term development and prosperity of communities and nations,” he said.
Hon. Muha left a powerful message for all to act as catalysts for change.
He urged parliaments to play their roles by approving budgets that support SDG 2, leading the charge towards achieving zero hunger.
