Water and Food in Africa

This post marks the end of the series of blogs exploring the complex relationship between water and food in Africa. Throughout the process of learning, researching and writing, my knowledge about Africa, its water resources and food have developed remarkably from the first week. Some of my most fascinating takeaways from researching about water and food are listed below: 1) The generalised stereotypical thought that Africa has no water is untrue. Although droughts and impacts of climate change can reduce surface water availability across the continent, Africa is underlaid with groundwater stores of water such as fossil aquifers that can significantly positively impact agricultural systems and reduce the risk of food insecurity, if utilised sustainably. 2) Africa imports a significant amount of its food from other continents and nations to conserve its water that would normally be rendered ‘virtual’ or ‘hidden’. Whilst this remains a good economic strategy, it questions the self-suffici

146 million people currently living in Africa face food insecurity . That is more than double the UK’s population. Take a moment to let that sink in… How and why has such a horrific statistic been created and what are its implications? Rising food prices and an over-reliance on exports: As mentioned in the third blog, nations within Africa are importing high-value crops and products such as cereal crops. Much of Africa’s wheat, vegetable oil and fertiliser are all imported from Russia and Ukraine . However, the ongoing war and tensions between the countries have not only reduced their exports but has also raised food prices significantly not only for African countries, but also other nations in the world. Yet, the reason why many people in Africa suffer compared to the rest of the world, is the over-reliance on importing these products and not maintaining self sufficiency for food security. Currently, US $35 billion a year is spent importing food , whilst arguably the same money