The Hunger Crisis in Africa: Causes, Impact, and the Path Forward

Africa is in the grip of a profound hunger crisis. Over 280 million people-about a fifth of the continent’s population-are experiencing malnutrition, while more than 340 million, or a quarter of all Africans, suffer from food insecurity135. This crisis is not merely a humanitarian emergency; it is a complex, multifaceted challenge rooted in economic, environmental, and political factors. As the continent’s population grows and global challenges intensify, addressing hunger in Africa has never been more urgent.

Understanding Hunger and Food Insecurity

Hunger is defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the inability to acquire enough food to meet dietary energy requirements. Food insecurity goes a step further, describing a situation where people lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth, development, and an active, healthy life. Food security encompasses four dimensions: food availability, access, utilization, and stability over time1.

Despite some progress since the mid-1990s, the absolute number of undernourished Africans has continued to rise, driven largely by rapid population growth. East Africa carries the highest burden, accounting for nearly half of the continent’s undernourished population1.

The Scale of the Crisis

• Malnutrition: Over 280 million Africans are malnourished, with children particularly vulnerable. The prevalence of stunting among children under five, while reduced from 38.3% in 2000 to 30.3% in 2017, still affects millions, and the numbers continue to grow due to population increases2.

• Food Insecurity: More than 340 million people face food insecurity, meaning they do not have reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food15.

• Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest hit, with one in four people facing severe food insecurity4. West and Central Africa, in particular, are experiencing a deepening food crisis, exacerbated by conflict, displacement, and climate shocks12.

Root Causes of Hunger in Africa

1. Conflict and Political Instability

Armed conflicts disrupt food production, displace millions, and make it dangerous or impossible for people to access markets, farmland, or humanitarian aid. Countries like Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria are among the worst affected, with millions at risk of starvation due to ongoing violence and instability3912.

2. Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change. Droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns have slashed crop yields and reduced agricultural productivity by over 30% since 1961-the worst decline globally5. The Horn of Africa is currently facing its worst drought in over 40 years, devastating livelihoods and pushing millions toward hunger5.

3. Poverty and Economic Shocks

Poverty is both a cause and consequence of hunger. Many African families simply cannot afford enough food, especially as economic shocks, inflation, and unemployment erode purchasing power. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have further undermined livelihoods and supply chains, compounding the crisis310.

4. Poor Agricultural Infrastructure and Technology

Most African farmers rely on rain-fed, small-scale agriculture. Outdated farming methods, limited access to irrigation, poor storage facilities, and inadequate transportation networks lead to low productivity and significant post-harvest losses46. Africa’s dependence on food imports has grown, with imports now four times higher than exports, making the continent vulnerable to global price shocks1.

5. Unfair Trade and Land Issues

Unfair trade agreements, land grabbing, and lack of secure land tenure undermine local food systems. Large-scale land acquisitions by foreign investors have displaced smallholder farmers and reduced local food production in countries like Cameroon, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo10.

The Human Impact

The hunger crisis has devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities:

• Child Malnutrition: Millions of children suffer from stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies, which impair physical and cognitive development and increase susceptibility to disease212.

• Mortality: In famine conditions, mortality rates soar. Hunger leads to more than two deaths per day for every 10,000 people in affected areas3.

• Displacement: Over 10 million people in West and Central Africa alone have been forcibly displaced, often losing access to their fields and livelihoods12.

• Gender Disparities: Women, who make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, are disproportionately affected by hunger and malnutrition. Improving women’s social and economic status is critical to achieving food security11.

Efforts to End Hunger: Policies and Initiatives

Continental Commitments

The African Union has set ambitious targets to eliminate hunger and food insecurity by 2025, reaffirmed in the Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063178. The FAO’s Regional Initiative and the World Health Organization’s strategic plan aim to strengthen national capacities, promote sustainable agriculture, and integrate nutrition into health systems278.

National and Regional Strategies

Countries are implementing various policies, from school feeding programs to nutrition-sensitive agriculture and social protection schemes8. However, progress is uneven, and many national investment plans are underfunded or only partially implemented11.

International Aid and Humanitarian Response

The World Food Programme (WFP) and other agencies provide emergency food aid to millions, but funding shortfalls are threatening these lifelines. In 2025, the WFP faces a 40% drop in funding, forcing ration cuts and jeopardizing support for the most vulnerable9.

Challenges and Barriers

Despite strong commitments, Africa is not on track to eliminate hunger by 20251. Key challenges include:

• Insufficient Investment: Only a handful of countries meet the target of allocating 10% of their budgets to agriculture, as set by the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)11.

• Weak Governance and Coordination: Effective action requires stronger coordination among governments, regional bodies, and development partners, as well as improved accountability and data sharing11.

• Market Inefficiencies: Poor infrastructure and fragmented markets prevent farmers from accessing inputs and selling their produce profitably11.

• Resource Constraints: Many interventions are hampered by limited financial and human resources, and short-term projects often fail to deliver lasting impact119.

Solutions and the Way Forward

Ending hunger in Africa requires a multi-pronged, sustained approach:

1. Transforming Agriculture

• Promote sustainable, climate-resilient farming practices, such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic fertilization6.

• Invest in modern irrigation, storage, and transportation infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access46.

• Support smallholder farmers, especially women, with training, credit, and access to technology11.

2. Building Resilience to Climate Change

• Scale up investments in climate adaptation, including drought-resistant crops, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness512.

• Strengthen local food systems to withstand shocks and ensure year-round food availability12.

3. Addressing Poverty and Inequality

• Expand social protection programs, such as cash transfers and school feeding, to cushion the most vulnerable from economic shocks11.

• Reform trade policies and land tenure systems to empower local producers and prevent land grabbing10.

4. Enhancing Governance and Partnerships

• Foster stronger collaboration among governments, regional organizations, civil society, and the private sector7811.

• Ensure accountability through transparent monitoring of progress and resource allocation11.

5. Mobilizing Resources and International Support

• Increase domestic and international funding for agriculture, nutrition, and humanitarian aid911.

• Encourage innovative financing and investment in rural development, infrastructure, and local agribusinesses11.

Conclusion

The hunger crisis in Africa is a stark reminder of the continent’s vulnerability to conflict, climate change, and economic shocks. Yet, it is also a call to action. With coordinated efforts, political will, and sustained investment, Africa can move closer to achieving food security for all. The path forward demands not only emergency relief but also long-term strategies that empower communities, transform agriculture, and build resilience against future crises. The stakes are high, but so is the potential for change-a future where no African goes hungry is within reach, if the world acts decisively and together1711.