- As global food prices remain stubbornly high, Africa’s vast untapped agricultural land could hold the key to feeding a hungry planet.
- From the war in Ukraine to climate shocks, Africa’s food crisis is deepening – but smallholder farmers could become the world’s lifeline.
- With 60% of the planet’s arable land lying fallow, is Africa ready to secure global food supplies?
As global food prices remain high amid ongoing supply and seasonal demand disruptions, attention is turning to Africa’s vast agricultural potential as a bulwark against global food insecurity.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has long emphasized the continent’s ability to alleviate shortages. Yet structural barriers remain, leaving Africa dependent on imports even though it controls 60 percent of the world’s undeveloped agricultural land.
Food security: a continent of promise amid danger
Africa’s population is expected to double by 2050, which will simultaneously double the demand for food. This demographic wave presents a double-edged sword: increased vulnerability to shortages, but also an opportunity for local producers to realize economic gains through increased production.
Favorable climates and abundant land could enable African agriculture not only to secure the continent’s needs but also to export surpluses worldwide. Small farmers, who dominate production, already supply a third of the world’s food despite limited resources.
Modern tools, such as ICT for data collection and quality assurance, could unlock access to international markets currently blocked by inconsistent standards.
Food prices: the lasting shadow of the war between Russia and Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 caused historic spikes in the economy FAO Food Price Indexwith the costs of wheat and fertilizer soaring. Although prices have moderated at the end of 2025 – averaging around 125-127 points in recent months – they are above pre-war levels.
Africa felt acute pain: Russia supplied 90 percent of its $4 billion in wheat exports to the continent, while Ukraine accounted for almost half of its $3 billion in wheat and corn shipments.
Disruptions in the fertilizer sector exacerbated the crisis and led to alternatives such as Nigeria’s Dangote plant, Africa’s largest urea plant. Initiatives such as the African Development Bank’s $1.5 billion Emergency Food Production Facility have provided seeds and fertilizers to millions of farmers, generating more than 37 million tons of additional food.
Yet shortages persist, exacerbated by climate shocks and poor infrastructure.
Obstacles to self-sufficiency
Smallholders’ lack of technology and market information hinders progress. A striking example: in Kenya, the abundant local potatoes often do not meet the strict standards of the processors, which is why chains such as KFC import from Egypt despite domestic surpluses.
Training in quality control and value chain integration is essential to bridge such gaps. Coordinated investments in inputs, ICT and policy reforms could transform African agriculture. Supporting smallholder farmers with climate-resilient seeds, fertilizers and market linkages would increase yields while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger and promote economic growth.
As global pressure increases, Africa’s fields not only provide livelihoods for its people, but also make a crucial contribution to global stability. The opportunity is ripe – if it is used decisively.
Also read: Livestock farming is under pressure as Africa must strike a balance between food security and emissions reductions
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