To avert a major crisis in Somalia, the WFP is calling for urgent funding to mitigate the impacts of the expected drought. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Alarming new data shows that worsening drought conditions, conflict and high food prices are likely to push one million more people into food insecurity in Somalia

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, 3.4 million people are already experiencing crisis-levels of hunger, with the number expected to rise 4.4 million between April and June this year. Moreover, around 1.7 million children under the age of five are expected to face acute malnutrition through December 2025, due to below-average rainfall forecast for this period. 

Among those hardest hit are households with low agricultural yields who have depleted their food stocks, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and pastoralists with limited livestock and below-average earnings from livestock sales.

A drastic increase in humanitarian needs and subsequent shortfall in fundings is forcing the WFP to cut-short food and cash assistance as well as some life-saving programmes such as school meal arrangements for students. With a funding gap of US$297mn and no additional funding  expected in the next six months, WFP operations in Somalia are threatened by pipeline breaks by mid-year. 

To avert a major crisis in Somalia, the WFP is calling for urgent funding to scale up food assistance, nutrition support, water and sanitation services, as well as livelihood initiatives to mitigate the impacts of the expected drought. 

Being accessible in a variety of languages, thus allowing even farmers with limited formal education to benefit. (Image source: FMAFS)

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, CON, has launched the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a digital initiative to improve productivity and farmers’ livelihood as well as enhance agricultural extension service delivery

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the National Agricultural Extension Research Summit with the theme: 'Sustainable Agriculture Extension Service Delivery in Nigeria', the Minister stated that the platform would strengthen the linkage between research institutions and Nigerian farmers.

According to Abdullahi, the Platform would provide real-time access to vital agricultural information, offering an interactive and cost-effective alternative to traditional extension services while mitigating security risks faced by field agents. He further stated that the ministry had deployed technologies to improve labour productivity through the distribution of tractors for land preparation, planting, and harvesting.

In his welcome address, director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service, Dr Deola Tayo Lordbanjou emphasised the critical role of agricultural extension services in translating research findings, innovative practices, and new technologies into practical solutions for farmers.

Lordbanjou explained that the NEEP platform would be accessible in English, pidgin ,Youraba, Hausa and Igbo languages, allowing even farmers with limited formal education to benefit. "Farmers will be able to ask questions and receive real time answers, while agents will have a database of agricultural knowledge at their fingertips," he added.

Food safety is a pressing issue in Africa, with foodborne illnesses affecting 91 million people and resulting in 137,000 deaths annually. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

On 16 February, the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during which the African Union (AU) adopted the statute for the establishment of the Africa Food Safety Agency

This decision marks a significant advancement in the continent's commitment to protecting consumer health, strengthening Africa’s food safety governance and facilitating trade in safe food products under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Food safety is a pressing issue in Africa, with foodborne illnesses affecting 91 million people and resulting in 137,000 deaths annually. According to the World Bank, lost productivity and medical costs result in annual losses amounting to US$110bn sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasised the transformative impact of the establishment of the Africa Food Safety Agency as a crucial milestone in Africa’s journey towards a more integrated and prosperous continent. 

The Agency will establish a continental food safety data hub and rapid alert system, providing critical support to Member States in managing food safety risks and emergencies. It will also coordinate food safety initiatives at the continental level while complementing and strengthening the food safety coordination function of Regional Economic Communities.

"With the Africa Food Safety Agency, we are taking a decisive step towards transforming our agri-food systems. It will not only help protect public health but will also boost intra-African trade by facilitating the harmonisation of food safety standards and supporting our Member States in building robust food control systems." noted Josefa Sacko, the outgoing Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment.

The AU Commission has been tasked with fast-tracking the operationalisation of the Africa Food Safety Agency, including putting in place structures and establishing frameworks working together with Member States and partners.

The FAO has recognised the need to invest in training and development, highlighting it as crucial component of their mission. (Image source: FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa (FAO-RAF) recently hosted a two-week training session in Harare, Zimbabwe, equipping staff from across Africa with critical skills and fostering valuable connections

Bringing together 130 participants from 47 FAO Country Offices, the training focused on enhancing project management, operations, and cross-functional teamwork. The purpose of the training was to encourage networking and the creation of a platform for participants to maintain connections across the continent.

The FAO has recognised the need to invest in training and development, highlighting it as crucial component of their mission. With budgetary constraints being the only thing holding them back, the FAO is keen on making the training a permanent biennial event. Subregional coordinator for Southern Africa (SFS) and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, Patrice Talla, during the closing remarks, shared two inspiring stories that highlighted the adaptability and problem-solving skills required in the field.

To further strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing,Talla highlighted the creation of task forces and technical coordination units (TCUs) within the FAO's Southern Africa Subregional Office for Southern Africa. These platforms bring together staff from various country offices to address challenges, share best practices, and provide technical support.

Overall, the training session emerged successful and had a lasting impact on the participants, equipping them with the skills and connections needed to drive positive change in their respective countries.