Analysis of the implications of Africa's food systems development on environmental sustainability

WWF, the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, IFPRI/CGIAR and AfDB have released a new report to help African countries to achieve food security and implement climate and nature commitments. The report is based on a joint study, executed with the technical support of the International Institute for Environment and Development, into the main drivers of Africa’s food systems, how food systems have responded to climate change and other drivers, and what the resulting environmental impacts of these responses have been across the continent. It includes recommendations on how to move away from an unsustainable “business as usual” trajectory towards a scenario where food systems development in Africa goes hand in hand with long-term climate resilience and overall ecological sustainability. The report is very timely, following the signing of the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action, so far endorsed by 152 countries, including most African countries.