Reflections from the Africa Food Systems Summit 2024: Moving from Dialogue to Action

I recently had the privilege of attending the Africa Food Systems Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, alongside my colleagues from International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) It was a powerful gathering of thought leaders, policymakers, farmers, and development practitioners each with the same vision: to transform Africa’s food systems in ways that benefit the people who rely on them the most.

Amidst the vibrant discussions, I was reminded of the tremendous resilience of smallholder farmers across Africa, especially the women and youth who make up the backbone of our agricultural systems. These individuals work tirelessly, often with minimal resources, to ensure that our continent and beyond have food on their plates. And yet, despite their dedication, they continue to face a myriad of challenges, challenges that are only growing more complex by the day.

Let’s start with the basics. The price of food across the continent has risen significantly, spurred by global external shocks that range from geopolitical conflicts to disruptions in supply chains. At the same time, farmers are grappling with poor-quality inputs, whether it’s seeds that fail to germinate or fertilizers that don’t boost yields. And as if this weren’t enough, we are now witnessing, in real-time, the impact of climate change.

In Southern Africa, for example, the region is experiencing one of the worst droughts in recorded history. Zimbabwe, one of the hardest-hit countries, has lost 70% of its crop yield due to a scorching heatwave, the worst in 40 years. Farmers in West Africa are dealing with a delayed rainy season, further complicating their planting cycles. Everywhere we look, our farmers are being asked to do more with less.

The reality is sobering: one in every five people in Africa is projected to be facing chronic hunger. On top of that, we are losing agricultural land at an alarming rate due to unsustainable farming practices and degradation. In Uganda, for instance, much of the land in highland farming regions is degrading faster than we can restore it. This is a clear sign that we need to act, and act quickly.

Despite the clear evidence and urgency of the situation, the pace of food systems transformation in Africa is not advancing at the speed or scale required. The conversations we had at the summit made one thing abundantly clear: we need to go beyond talking. Action must now be our focus.

In Uganda, we are trying to address some of these challenges through initiatives like BRIGHT. This initiative is building resilience among 100,000 highland farm households, specifically focusing on helping them navigate the economic and climate-related shocks they face. By promoting inclusive farm planning, supporting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening local farming systems, BRIGHT aims to foster sustainable food production while conserving natural resources. This initiative goes beyond simply responding to immediate needs. It strategically positions farmers for long-term success by integrating them into well-developed value chains. You can learn more about the work BRIGHT is doing

The lessons we are learning through BRIGHT are applicable not only to Uganda but to the entire continent. We know that transforming Africa’s food systems will not only ensure food and nutrition security for millions but also generate sustainable jobs, particularly for youth and women. The potential is there, but we must be intentional about creating systems that are both inclusive and resilient.

The summit's theme of accountability echoed in every session. We need stronger inter-sectoral and inter-ministerial coordination. No single institution, government, or organization can drive transformation alone. Development and technical partners must not only align their support but also harmonize their efforts. We can’t afford to have fragmented initiatives that address parts of the problem while neglecting the whole.

Equally important is the inclusion of youth and women in every part of the agri-food value chain. We can no longer afford to view their participation as an afterthought. Their contributions are central to Africa’s food security future. Attracting investments—whether through public, private, philanthropic, or producer partnerships—is key. We need to create spaces for businesses to thrive, exchange knowledge on successful strategies, and make a concerted effort to scale these efforts.

The power of partnership was a recurring theme throughout the summit. And while we’ve seen progress, it’s clear that more needs to be done. Governments must commit to reforms that foster growth and inclusivity. We also need to address the policy bottlenecks that are stifling innovation and slowing progress.

During the summit, I was pleased to see Uganda's government delegation led by the Rt. Hon. Dr. Bright Rwamirama engage actively in discussions. On the sidelines, we agreed that Uganda must move beyond summit rhetoric and proactively work towards implementing the recommendations discussed. The government has already shown a commitment to food systems transformation by supporting youth and women in agriculture, and through ongoing reforms aimed at fostering a more resilient food system. Dr. Rwamirama reaffirmed that Uganda is prepared to take concrete actions, not just in policy but in driving real, impactful change on the ground.

The challenges are daunting, yes. But they are not insurmountable. With concerted effort and genuine partnerships, Africa can build a food system that is not only resilient but also capable of feeding its people and the world. We must be accountable to ourselves and to those who depend on us.

At IFDC, we are ready to continue playing our part, as we have for over 50 years in Uganda, working alongside government and partners to make meaningful strides in transforming food systems. The time for action is now, and together, we can chart a path that ensures food security, creates jobs, and safeguards the future for the next generation.