In 2024, the Global Network against Food Crises estimated that about 181 million children worldwide—approximately one in four—live in severe child food poverty. In Africa, 64 million children fall into this category, making up nearly a third of the global total. Severe child food poverty is defined as the inability to consume more than two of the eight essential food groups daily. These food groups include breast milk, flesh foods (meat, fish, poultry, and organ meats), legumes and nuts, grains and tubers, vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, eggs, other fruits and vegetables, and dairy products. Nutritionists recommend that children consume at least five of these groups daily for optimal growth and development.
Children suffering from severe food poverty are often fed only breast milk or a starchy staple like rice, maize, or wheat. Less than 10% of these children receive fruits and vegetables, and fewer than 5% are given nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, or meat. Given the profound impact of nutrition on childhood development, it becomes evident that food is not just sustenance but a determining factor in shaping the future of generations. Malnourished children struggle to learn, experience stunted growth, and exhibit poor academic performance. Without proper nutrition, children face reduced brain cell production, leading to slower language development, impaired motor skills, and lower IQs.
These statistics paint a dire picture and could very easily inspire hopelessness. However, we should view our circumstances as a tipping point. Malcom Gladwell describes the tipping point in the following words: “the best way to understand the emergence of trends, the ebb and flow of crime waves, or, for that matter, any number of the other mysterious changes that mark everyday life is to think of them as epidemics.” Change is often triggered by an accumulation of small shifts that create a larger movement. We must transition from the current epidemic of scarcity and dependence to one of abundance and plenty. Our interventions must be contagious, sustained, and tailored to our unique circumstances, aiming to create a tipping point that reverses the current trajectory and secures a brighter future for our continent.
Integrative Approaches to Combat Food Insecurity
One critical intervention is the integration of agriculture and education to address food insecurity while fostering sustainable economic growth. The African Union has championed initiatives such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which urges African governments to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture. This commitment is vital as it lays the groundwork for improving nutrition and food security. Encouragingly, several countries have met or exceeded this target, with notable examples including Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and The Gambia, which have successfully scaled national school feeding programs, particularly in rural areas.
Equally important is the implementation of Home-Grown School Feeding programs, which source food locally to support smallholder farmers while providing nutritious meals to students. This model not only enhances school attendance and academic performance but also stimulates local economies. Countries like Kenya and Guinea have demonstrated innovative approaches through public-private partnerships, ensuring sustainability and wider reach. These efforts align with the CAADP’s focus on boosting food production and reducing post-harvest losses, with a goal to raise $100 billion in public and private sector contributions by 2035.
Strategic Objectives for a Food-Secure Future
The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) aims to boost agri-food production by 45% and halve food wastage by 2035. By linking education and agriculture, we ensure that school feeding programs do more than provide a meal—they become a catalyst for community development, economic empowerment, and generational transformation. The African Union’s commitment to intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) further supports this vision by reducing trade barriers and facilitating the movement of agricultural goods.
Through these initiatives, we are not only nourishing children but also investing in a generation that will drive Africa’s transformation. A plate of food today shapes the thinkers, leaders, and innovators of tomorrow. By embracing the epidemic of plenty, we hold the power to change the narrative—ensuring that no child goes to school hungry and that every learner has the nutritional foundation to reach their full potential. We create our own tipping point.
Conclusion
The comprehensive approach to food security and nutrition, as outlined in the CAADP Strategy, underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder involvement, effective governance, and innovative financing mechanisms. By prioritizing nutrition and integrating agricultural policies with educational initiatives, we can secure a brighter future for Africa's children and ensure sustainable growth and development across the continent.
About the author: Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki is African Union Special Envoy for Food Systems. He is a former Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, and former CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA- NEPAD).