The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is calling for the strengthening of agrifood systems as a way to enhance food and nutrition security.
Running under the theme, ‘Good food for all, for today and tomorrow,’ the World Food Forum began on Monday in Rome.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stated, “The actions we take today will directly impact the future. This year’s theme, ‘Good Food for All, for Today and Tomorrow,’ reflects the core of FAO’s mission and brings together the importance of the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.”
The leaders of Liberia, Lesotho and Eswatini are also present at the forum. They noted in their speeches that African countries were struggling in their goal of achieving zero hunger, challenged by conflict, pandemics and climate change.
“As we look at developing our food products, this will not be possible without the enabling infrastructure, such as roads, warehouses and ICT, to mention a few,” read a part of Eswatini King Mswati III’s speech.
Over the next three days, global experts, young changemakers, investors, and leaders will discuss action needed to achieve sustainable and inclusive global agrifood systems.
In Africa, over 340 million people were classified as severely-food insecure by a 2023 report by FAO.
