Africa: Why Root Crops Are the Future of Food Security in Africa. A neglected food sector is anticipated to play a larger role in Africa’s food security and rural economic growth between now and 2050 despite the dominance of the “Big Three” grain crops and a steady rise in meat consumption.
The amazing yet modest yam, sweet potato, cassava, and other roots are anticipated to add $140 billion to the global market value over the next three decades. This is compared to $70 billion for beef and $41 billion for rice, millet, and maize. Banana and plantain are expected to add $50 billion to this financial sheet.
More than 40% of all food produced on the continent is already derived from these hardy, environmentally friendly, and economically viable crops. As farmers, particularly women farmers, deal with more difficult growing circumstances and harsh weather, their significance only increases.
The starting position of roots, tubers, and bananas in Africa’s climate-smart food systems of the future, however, is not assured and depends on the collaborative yet flexible approach on show at the recent inaugural Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Root crops are more naturally equipped to tolerate heat and drought than cereals, legumes, and vegetables when adjusting to the already unavoidable effects of climate change. Given that the study suggests improvements in climatic adaptability of up to 17.5% for cassava, this uncommon food crop may benefit from rising temperatures.
However, Africa has to work together to reap the full benefits of these environmental superfoods to maximize, scale up, and mainstream these resilient and lucrative crops.
One area to start would be to develop more and new derisking investment models into inclusive governance systems and genetic enhancement research programs. Even though root crops have historically been difficult to breed, recent scientific advances have made it feasible to create even more drought-tolerant, heat-resistant varieties and tolerant of higher salt.
This advancement has been sped even further by genomics-aided breeding, essential for bringing forth the next generation of more nutrient-dense and climate-smart cultivars. Root crops that are tougher and more nutrient-dense would help communities in rural areas where they are cultivated and in cities, where it can be more difficult to source fresh, wholesome, perishable vegetables.
Greater scientific collaboration is also required to develop Africa’s capacity to apply agricultural science and research to enhance root crop quality by regional and local variances. A regional alliance involving national research initiatives, CGIAR agricultural research institutes, and international scientific partners leads the way in roots, tubers, and bananas.
Africa has a diverse climate. Thus, each country will see a different influence on roots and associated crops. For instance, some research indicates that while Burundi and Rwanda’s potato systems may benefit from warmer climes, potato production in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda may be negatively impacted.
As a result, the continent would gain from more coordinated and international breeding initiatives that combine resources and expertise for maximum efficiency while also building the ability to adapt to the particular requirements of various situations.
Finally, and equally important, the newest and best kinds must be delivered to farmers who require them through effective and convenient seed distribution methods.
Adopting improved varieties of most crops in Africa has a ceiling of approximately 40%, meaning that most farmers still use seeds and planting materials that have not been modified for today’s circumstances. The average age of a variety in a farmer’s field is frequently ten years or longer, denying farmers and food supply chains a decade of continuously improving agricultural breakthroughs.
To hasten the adoption of novel, climate-smart cultivars, it is essential to identify and create the most efficient methods of reaching farmers, whether through unofficial channels, cooperatives, governmental programs, or non-profit organizations.
The recent Africa Climate Summit highlighted the effectiveness of speaking with one voice to solve the continent’s issues. But it also recognized the regional differences in handling a problem like the climate issue.
Local staple crops like roots and tubers have the greatest promise for ensuring climate-proof food security. With more funding and cooperation, they might develop multifunctional solutions that satisfy Africa’s demands. Bananas, roots, and tubers have not yet experienced the Green Revolution that revolutionized world grain production. The opportunity for these crops to put Africa on a path toward food security is now, thanks to scientific discoveries, environmental lessons, and regional political leadership.
