Can Africa one day help feed the world’s growing population?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the Financial Times or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: OCP, a Moroccan state-owned company, is significantly investing in Africa’s agrifood sector, aiming to boost the continent's agricultural efficiency through better seed varieties and increased fertilizer use
• With Africa currently a net importer of food, these efforts are part of a broader vision to transform the continent into a major food exporter

🔭 The context: Africa holds 60% of the world’s arable land and has a rapidly growing population, yet its agricultural yields are significantly lower than global averages due to factors like political instability, inefficient farming practices, and climate change
• Despite these challenges, investments in agricultural technologies and infrastructure aim to unlock Africa's potential as a breadbasket for the world

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Enhancing Africa's agricultural productivity is crucial for global food security, especially as the UN forecasts a 60% increase in global calorie demand by 2050
• Success in this area could also mitigate climate impacts by promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing the need for food imports

⏭️ What's next: The ambitious project to improve Africa's agricultural productivity involves overcoming substantial hurdles, including political risk, climate volatility, and infrastructural deficiencies
• However, targeted investments in seed technology, fertilizer optimization, and the development of agricultural value chains could lead to a transformation akin to the green revolutions seen in other parts of the world

💬 One quote: "Africa can be a net food exporter," (Bill Gates)

📈 One stat: Africa will need to consume 10 times as much fertilizer to significantly raise yields and meet its agricultural potential, according to OCP’s estimates

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