A Call to Action in the Face of Hunger and Inequality
Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted is a name that resonates with purpose and passion. As the Director of the Nutrition, Health, and Food Security Impact Area Platform at the CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) and the distinguished recipient of the 2021 World Food Prize, her work stands as a beacon of hope in the challenging landscape of global food security.
The Alarming Reality of Hunger and Inequality
In 2022, our world faced a sobering truth: over 730 million people were hungry, and a staggering 3 billion couldn’t afford a healthy diet. When we dissect these figures, a stark inequality emerges. Africa, a continent brimming with potential, bears the brunt of this crisis, with nearly 20% of its population grappling with hunger, compared to 8.5% in Asia and 6.5% in Latin America. Shockingly, a staggering 78% of Africans cannot afford a nutritious diet, the highest proportion globally.
The situation has only worsened with continued disruptions like the conflict in Ukraine, causing grain and food shortages across Africa. It’s a stark wake-up call that demands an urgent shift in our approach to transforming food systems, one that nourishes both people and the planet.
The Vision: Nourishing People and the Planet
Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted firmly believes that transformation in food systems must encompass more than just ensuring access to adequate food. It’s about promoting diversity, nutrition, equity, affordability, and sustainability. In alignment with the CGIAR’s 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy, Thilsted and her team are committed to transforming food, land, and water systems, especially in the face of the climate crisis.
Celebrating Milestones: Biofortified Crops in Tanzania
The road to transformation is marked by milestones. Recently, the HarvestPlus program, a CGIR research initiative, celebrated a significant achievement in Tanzania. Honorable Pinda, the former Prime Minister of Tanzania, and current Member of Parliament, Honorable Neema Lugangira, expressed unwavering support for promoting biofortified crops across the nation. These crops, such as vitamin A fortified maize, zinc fortified rice, and vitamin A fortified orange sweet potatoes, have the potential to revolutionize the nutritional landscape of Tanzania. When incorporated into the diet, they can enhance the nation’s nutritional status and uplift the livelihoods of producers and supply chain stakeholders.
The Power of Partnerships: Forging a Brighter Future
Acknowledging the importance of strong partnerships, Thilsted and CGIAR work closely with national institutions and organizations to amplify their research, innovation, and policy advocacy efforts. The African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) exemplifies such collaboration. By teaming up with partners like the Tanzanian government and Agra, CGIAR creates platforms and opportunities to drive food systems transformation.
Climate Resilience and Smart Food Systems
One of the cornerstones of the CGIAR’s strategy is climate resilience. Recognizing the urgency of climate change, CGIAR is committed to creating low-emission, climate-resilient food systems. This includes investing in climate-smart food systems, technologies, and resilient seeds. For instance, in Southern Madagascar, CGIAR introduced drought-resistant orange sweet potato varieties, offering a lifeline in the face of acute food crises.
Harnessing Diversity and Human Capacity
Africa’s strength lies in its diversity, from coastal to grassland and highland systems. The abundance of diverse foods across these ecosystems must be harnessed, promoted, and optimized to bolster food and nutrition security. However, this monumental task cannot be undertaken in isolation. It requires a broad vision, a holistic plan, robust funding, and collaborative efforts to effectively drive food systems transformation across the continent.
Moreover, the real power of Africa resides in its human capacity. Empowering individuals with the right skills and knowledge is pivotal in leading the transformative change that Africa seeks. With strategic investments, technology, and innovation, Africa can nourish its people, fostering a healthier and more prosperous future.
In line with Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want,” holistic transformation in food, land, and water systems hinges on the continent’s strength, diversity, and human capacity for change. It’s a journey that demands collective action, and under the guidance of visionaries like Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, Africa’s path towards nourishment, health, and prosperity is illuminated.
