Africa, the growth of the continent requires resources for small farmers: but the real political powers of the United Nations are not yet there

ROMA — On each of the periodic occasions of meetings between some important sectors of the world economy and the United Nations bodies, it emerges with ever greater clarity how unbearable the void is that is perceived by the almost total absence of a Governance Globale. What would it take, at least, to reorder some fundamental issues of this world, such as food production systems, health, conflicts, education, human rights. And to think that in 1945, at the end of the Second World War, the birth of the United Nations and the idea of ​​a “world government” (at least in intentions) constituted the point of arrival of a general project for the reorganization of the rules that govern the human coexistence.

The intoxication of globalization. Then there was a similar euphoria that the world began to feel in the 1980s with the reassuring expectations that globalization was promising: growth and well-being for all. Simple concepts repeated like litanies by the numerous gurus of neoliberalism. So, come and go, in the end those concepts became common sense, “single thought”. But things have gone – and are going – very differently, as we are seeing. From World Government, with real powers of political direction, capable of achieving at least a few important objectives of global interest and of sanctioning (without vetoes) anyone who breaks the rules, for now there is not even a shadow.

Wrong agricultural choices. On the subject of agriculture, there was, almost at the end of September in Syracuse, a G7 dedicated to agriculture. The FAO had already warned in 2018 that climate change and wars tend to increase the prices of food, the ideal propellant for massive migrations. The FAO also warned that, ever since then, a very high price was being paid “for wrong agricultural choices which over time have mortified traditional crops and rural communities”, as assured by the agronomist Stefano Cocchi, UN consultant and of the European Commission. Against the backdrop of all this is 20% of the African population – that is, one in five people who are undernourished or literally starving. A way of life that affects around 300 million people.

The IFAD president: “Our first lines of action”. Alvaro Lario, president of International Fund for Agricultural Development (EXPRESSION) of the United Nations, in his speech to the G7-Agriculture reiterated the points on which the UN Agency focuses: “Our first lines of action against climate change, hunger and poverty are prosperous rural communities. Investing in small farmers and entrepreneurs in rural areas is the most effective way to unlock the immense potential of Africa’s agriculture and food systems. Developing thriving rural economies that provide good food and decent jobs,” the president said. IFAD – has stabilizing power. Now is the time to invest on a large scale in Africa’s small-scale food producers – the backbone of Africa’s food security and development.”

Small producers provide 70% of food in Africa. Small-scale agriculture provides up to 70% of Africa’s food and provides livelihood opportunities for hundreds of millions of people, playing a crucial role in the continent’s food security. Food and agriculture are also a vital part of African economies, a sector estimated to reach a value of $1 trillion by 2030. Estimates show that economic growth from the agricultural sector is two to three times more effective in reducing of poverty and food insecurity, compared to the economic growth generated in other sectors.

The threat of crop failure due to climate. At the G7, Alvaro Lario reiterated the urgency of investments in sustainable agriculture, capable of helping farmers adapt to climate change, in the dramatic prospect – as some estimates state – that by the end of this century harvests will decrease to 25%, precisely due to climate changes.

A young continent that must be digitized. Every year in Africa around 10 million young people enter the world of work, for this reason, Alvaro Lario highlighted the fact that digitalisation, “green” technologies and access to financial services can make rural areas more interesting for young people, helping them to create small businesses associated with food supply chains. Thus the increase in connectivity, which allows farmers to obtain fundamental information on markets and weather conditions, receive advice, weather alerts or information on pest infestations, as well as access to financial services.

“IFAD, therefore – said Alvaro Lario to the G7 – is committed to investing in rural populations in Africa. The agency expects, in a time frame from 2025 to 2027, projects up to 60% of its regular resources will be invested on the African continent. In Africa, 20% of the population, one in five people, is undernourished or suffers from hunger, a condition that affects around 300 million people overall.