Africa Day: Improving Food security and Nutrition

Africa Day is celebrated every year on 25 May. It is an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success, and to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the African continent. Africa Day celebrations acknowledge the progress that Africans have made while reflecting upon the common challenges we face in a global , regional and local context. 

The celebration of Africa Day gives an opportunity to remember the great historical achievements of the Pan-Africanist and founding fathers of the continental organization. Moreover, it gives a chance to look forward regarding Africa’s development, peace and security. 

It’s important for African leaders to promote a free and prosperous Africa that belongs to all: the woman who sells groceries by the side of the road, the families that live in a rural area, or the innovative young entrepreneur who has just embarked on a venture to start a company. The potential of young people is the driving force of our collective prosperity. This is particularly relevant to Africa, whose population is projected to represent over 40 per cent of the world’s young people, in less than three generations. Africa’s youth can scale the ladder of hope based on decisions we take today. 

We want to see an Africa where leaders are not afraid of criticism, where freedom of expression is seen as an asset, not a threat, and where governments can be held to account. In short, an Africa that represents and caters for African aspirations for human rights and human dignity.

The African Union has designated 2022 as the Year of Nutrition. On this year’s Africa Day, the world must join together in solidarity with all Africans to strengthen food security, and put nutrition within reach of every person.

The many challenges to improving food security and nutrition on the continent are considerable and it will take close collaboration across African countries to address them effectively. 

As a way of strengthening food security in Africa, Kenya YMCA has adopted a Climate smart farming concept that is equip the students and the surrounding community with farming skills that are sustainable and environmental friendly. Zimbabwe YMCA using their Entrepreneurship Hub have ventured into Mushroom farming, while also offering training to youth looking to venture in to poultry and rabbit farming.

We urge you to join us in adopting a common vision and effective cross-sectoral collaboration, which includes the private sector to identify and implement sustainable solutions that transform agrifood systems to be able deliver healthy, affordable diets for all in Africa. 

 

“I aim to promote and restore the agricultural sector, because in the past we have had an emergent country because of its ability to do agriculture. Then I would like Africa to start producing what is essential to it, because we see in our communities a loss of energy in growing crops that we don’t absorb in the local market, so we have frustrated agripreneurs ready to leave for motorbikes or other jobs that are more easily accessible financially.
The fact of wanting to promote agriculture for me lies in the fight against the high cost of living, the reduction of malnutrition and above all the emancipation and valorization of the products of African cultures. I have been growing plantain and pineapple for a short time, and in the best of cases I would like to develop and process them locally, to provide alternative flour, and especially to bring an economy to a very poor area.”

BOGNE TACHEGNO John Florentin

YMCA S2C Ambassador, Help for Development “H4D” local foods

Cameroon