Final Reflections

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-sufficiency of countries to maintain food security as moments of crises disrupt trade networks and flows.

3) ‘Small is beautiful’ (Schumacher, 1973) remains a statement true when assessing the different scales of farming within Africa. Smaller farms utilise water less intensively than large scale commercial farms, and they play important roles for local food security. On the other hand, larger commercial farms pose many social and environmental consequences. Going forward, collaboration, communication and knowledge exchange learning between these two types of farms remain essential to maintain food security and local environments.

Hopefully these blogs have provided new perspectives and thoughts which have been engaging and perhaps sparked interest, to carry on some further research. 2030 approaches us in seven years, marking the necessity for African nations to meet the SDG goals quickly. From what the blogs explore, it is not going to be an easy process nor a quick one to meet these goals, but nonetheless they remain important priorities. Perhaps when 2030 does arrive, I can write one more blog post on whether the SDGs are met or not, but for now I hope you enjoyed following me on this blog post journey! 

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