Food Security in Africa

An agriculture expect says a relatively simple solution could provide food security to sub-Saharan Africa: roads. More paved roads would bring rural communities out of economic isolation. “If smallholder farmers are to be given the opportunity to become viable businesses, it is essential that they be connected to markets,” says the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development. “Indeed, support for rural infrastructure—including last-mile roads, electrification, post-harvest facilities, support for agricultural associations and cooperatives, and access to land and irrigation facilities—is a crucial element in the value chain. Each link in the value chain, from the smallholder to the local trade agents and agro-processors to regional and national markets, needs to be strengthened.”