Why Hunger Persists in Africa: Economics, Conflict, and Environment
Why Hunger Persists in Africa Despite Fertile Land
Africa Is Rich in Land, But Not in Organization
Sub-Saharan Africa is rich in fertile farmland — yet only a fraction is fully used. Hunger is driven by three main forces: harmful economic systems, conflict, and environmental overexploitation.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, of the 856 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, 233 million are undernourished. Africa has the second highest number of undernourished people after Asia.
1. Harmful Economic Systems
Fragmented food markets and unpredictable policies discourage private investment. Control over land, resources, and income often sits with a powerful minority, while rural farmers remain poor.
Food prices for staples have tripled in some cities, forcing poor families to spend most of their income just to eat. Only 5% of Africa’s cereal imports come from within Africa; the rest are imported globally, worsening trade balances. Rising food prices affect countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, DRC, Niger, Zambia, and Uganda the most.
2. Conflict and Political Instability
Conflict destroys livelihoods and access to food. World Bank research shows poverty rates are 20% higher in countries experiencing cycles of violence. Each year of war reduces poverty reduction progress by almost one percentage point.
People in conflict zones are twice as likely to be undernourished and 50% more likely to live in poverty. Children are three times more likely to be out of school. Nations with human rights abuses, weak governance, and high corruption face a 38% higher risk of civil war.
3. Environmental Degradation
Africa’s soils and water systems face serious stress: erosion, desertification, deforestation, and worsening droughts. These issues — often human-made — reduce agricultural production and incomes, deepening poverty.
“You cannot tell a hungry child that you gave him food yesterday.” — African Proverb
The Path Forward
Cultivating unused fertile land, removing trade barriers, and investing in irrigation, storage, and transport could help Africa feed itself and reduce hunger. Peace-building and stable governance are also critical for long-term food security.
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