Former President Goodluck Jonathan called on African leaders to prioritize innovation and technology to achieve food security during his keynote address at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Jonathan emphasized that integrating technology into agriculture is crucial for transforming agri-food systems and addressing hunger and malnutrition. While acknowledging the efforts of African countries and the African Union, he highlighted the need for more substantial progress in meeting the four pillars of food security—availability, access, utilization, and stability—as outlined by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
He urged the African Union to treat food security with the same urgency as climate change and proposed appointing a serving president to lead agricultural reforms across the continent. Jonathan also encouraged African universities to focus their research on agricultural innovation, food processing, and preservation techniques.
Addressing the continent’s nutrition crisis, Jonathan pointed out that 30% of African children suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition, while over 70% of the population cannot afford a healthy diet. He called on leaders to commit to transforming Africa’s food systems, emphasizing that political stability, peace, and security are essential to achieving food sufficiency. “It would be difficult to attain food sufficiency amid wanton insecurity and hostilities,” he warned.
Reflecting on his presidency in Nigeria, Jonathan mentioned his Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) and initiatives aimed at making agriculture a business, such as the “Nagro-preneurs” program, which provided youth with access to skills, land, technology, and financing.
