AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina has called for strategic investments and innovative approaches in wheat production to enhance food security across Africa.
Speaking at the opening of the West and Central Africa Wheat Summit 2024 in Abuja, themed “Prioritizing Policy, Innovative Technologies, and Investments in Wheat Transformation for Sustainable Food Security and Economic Growth in West and Central Africa,” Adesina highlighted the critical role of technology in revolutionizing agriculture and food security.
He underscored the urgent need to address the region’s dependence on wheat imports, which exceed 80 percent, warning that this reliance threatens food security and economic stability. “Transforming our wheat sector holds tremendous potential for achieving sustainable food security and fostering economic growth,” he stated.
Adesina noted that rising population numbers and changing dietary habits have significantly increased wheat consumption in the region. Represented by Dr. Abdul Kamara, AfDB’s Director General for Nigeria, he emphasized that leveraging technology within a supportive policy framework can greatly enhance agricultural productivity, as demonstrated in various countries.
He cited Brazil’s Cerrado Savannah, where the adoption of innovative technologies in mechanization, irrigation, and high-yield crop varieties led to substantial increases in cotton, corn, and soybean production over the past two decades, positioning Brazil as a major global food exporter.
Adesina explained that the right policy decisions can help address challenges faced by farmers in West and Central Africa, such as climate change, limited access to finance, and post-harvest losses. “Agricultural technology can advance food security sustainably in the region,” he remarked, noting that Africa’s wheat consumption has skyrocketed from 25 million metric tons two decades ago to over 75 million metric tons today.
He compared this progress to the transformation seen in India, where small-scale farmers have become successful agricultural entrepreneurs. “With Africa’s population projected to grow from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion by 2050, there is an increasing shift towards wheat as a staple food,” Adesina added, highlighting that per capita wheat consumption in West and Central Africa now exceeds 20 kg.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria is making strides toward achieving national wheat self-sufficiency.
During the summit, Dominique Kouacou, Country Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of private sector engagement and reiterated FAO’s commitment to supporting government initiatives.
Prof. Benjamin, Regional Coordinator of the West and Central Africa Wheat Development Network, acknowledged wheat’s vital role in global food security and economic growth. He pointed out that urbanization and evolving dietary preferences are driving the increasing demand-supply gap for wheat.
Ubi, another summit participant, noted that the event aims to influence policymakers to prioritize wheat production and transformation in the region. The anticipated outcomes include establishing policy reforms, promoting innovative technologies, and identifying investment opportunities to strengthen the wheat value chain. The summit aims to elevate wheat production, ensuring food security and economic resilience for millions in the region.
