Food security situation in some selected Africa countries: Indices of affordability, availability, quality and safety for years 2012 through 2016

Abstract

The paper examines the food security indices for some randomly sampled countries in Africa namely Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania and Botswana between year 2012 and 2016, to assess Africa’s efforts at reducing hunger and poverty by the year 2015. Time series data were obtained from the Economist Intelligence Unit. The food security indices for the countries sampled captured affordability, availability and quality and safety of food among the populace. Amongst other observations, poor infrastructure and low incomes that make affordability of, and access to, nutritious food difficult; political risk and stability were observed to frequently compound structural difficulties in these countries, and appear to be negatively impacting food security. Weakness in sufficiency of supply and reduced public expenditure on agriculture were observed to reduce food availability. Moreover, a limited access to financing for farmers who are the primary producers of food, less diverse diets and a weaker food safety environment were the general observations among the countries sampled. Generally, the food security situation in the selected countries left much to be desired. The paper therefore recommends a well-structured policy framework with increasing focus on the agricultural sector, to somewhat address the food affordability and availability concerns. The reinforcement of agricultural production, farming methods, structural infrastructure and the operating environment are key areas for focus. Moreover, proper regulations, market reforms, including effective import and export regulation systems, stable political environments are vital key strategies that will reduce the likelihood of food loss, improve supply and enhance affordability, and food quality and safety.