Preface

This edited volume is a collection of reviewed and relevant research chapters concerning the developments within the 'Food Security in Africa' field of study. The book includes scholarly contributions by various authors and it has been edited by a group of experts in food safety and availability, water issues, farming and nutrition. Each contribution comes as a separate chapter complete in itself but directly related to the book's topics and objectives.

The book consists of seven chapters that cover the topics: "Understanding Africa's Food Security Challenges" written by Dr. Mahamat Kabirou Dodo; "Regime Switch and Effect on Per Capita Food Security Issues in South Africa" by Drs. Yiseyon Hosu and Lubabalo Qamata; "Unlocking Water Issues Towards Food Security in Africa" by Drs. Nokuthula Vilakazi, Emmanuel Vellemu and Kumbukani Nyirenda; "Food Safety and Food Security in the Informal Sector" written by Ms. Bukelwa Grwambi; "The Role of Small-Scale Farmers in Ensuring Food Security in Africa" by Drs. Samkelisiwe Nosipho Hlophe-Ginindza and N.S. Mpandeli; "Food and Nutrition Security in East Africa (Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan): Status, Challenges and Prospects" and "Food and Nutrition Security in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania): Status, Challenges and Prospects" both written by Dr. Michael N.I. Lokuruka.

The target audience comprises scholars and specialists in the field.

**IntechOpen**

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

Understanding Africa's Food

Africa, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in particular, has for more than 10 years recorded a steady economic growth since the advent of the new millennium. Yet, despite this stellar economic growth, it faces challenges such as rapid population growth, persistent economic inequality, climate change threats, droughts, youth unemployment, undernourishment, and food insecurity. Understanding the state of food security in Africa, and addressing the above-mentioned challenges, should be the highest priority for Africa's Political Leadership. Not doing so will forever make Africa fail to achieve a sustainable economic development and create an inclusive shared-prosperity for its people. The African Union (AU), as well as respective national governments and regional organizations, and the international community at large, have in recent decades launched a multitude of policy initiatives aimed at addressing and tackling Africa's food insecurity and nutrition challenges. Despite those efforts and commitments by the disparate stakeholders, much remains to be done. This chapter presents Africa's food security and nutrition challenges, and sheds light on the climate change threats and potential consequences of the rapid population growth on Africa's food security. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations and proposals and makes points about Africa's bright prospects if

**Keywords:** Africa, food security, climate change, population growth, economic

Since the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) in 1991, Africa as a region has undergone a major structural transformation in social, political, demographic, and economic spheres. In political sphere, the region has gone from a one-party state governance to a multiparty democratic system ([1], p. 300). In social sphere, social governance is slowly but steadily being shared by the rising civil society and the NGOs that have now become copartners at addressing and debating social, economic, and political challenges in Africa. In demographic sphere, the region has seen a twofold increase in its population growth in the last quarter century. And finally, as regards to the economic sphere, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, since the 1990s, Africa has

Security Challenges

*Mahamat Kabirou Dodo*

food security were to be achieved.

**1.1 Africa since the end of the cold war**

development

**1**

**1. Introduction**
