According to estimates, the global population could reach 10 billion by 2050. Unfortunately, 30% of the global population face hunger every year with 60% of them residing in Africa. With its large natural resources, African agriculture has the potential to address food insecurity and combat climate change, with improved practices potentially sequestering up to 23% of global carbon emissions by 2050, according to the IPCC. It involves boosting agricultural productivity on already cultivated land, thereby slowing deforestation – a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond this, African agriculture is responsible for employing about 60% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s workforce, and significant investments could lift millions of these people out of poverty. Despite its importance, African agriculture suffers from a significant deficit in public, private, and philanthropic investments. To change this situation, the Paris Peace Forum launched the ATLAS initiative in June 2024 with the goal of bringing policymakers together to unlock investment in African agriculture.
SOURCE: THE TELEGRAPH
