Overview
This policy analysis describes the complex landscape of food security policies in the context of recent global disruptions, such as the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have exposed vulnerabilities in global food supply chains, especially for African nations reliant on commodity imports. The analysis focuses on the interplay between international, EU, and African policy frameworks, with an emphasis on food systems, agricultural policy, and the potential role of Earth Observation (EO) technologies in supporting policy objectives.
Key Themes and Policy Frameworks
International Policy
- Food security is a longstanding priority, heightened by recent crises.
- Major frameworks include:
- UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger—aims to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.
- Rome Declaration on World Food Security and the World Food Summit Plan of Action (1996).
- FAO Voluntary Guidelines on the Right to Food—guidance for national food security implementation.
- Food security intersects with climate, trade, and water scarcity:
- Global Framework for Action to Cope with Water Scarcity in Agriculture (FAO, 2017) and the Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (2024).
- Paris Agreement and Convention on Biological Diversity—address agricultural resilience and biodiversity.
- International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture—focuses on genetic diversity for sustainable systems.
- Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction—includes food security as a key concern.
- Trade and supply chain frameworks:
- Global Alliance for Food Security (GAFS, 2022)—mobilizes aid and supports production/fertilizer supply in response to the Ukraine war.
- African Continental Free Trade Area—improves intra-African agricultural trade and food reserves.
- Black Sea Grain Initiative—addressed grain shortages but ended in 2023, reviving concerns.
African Regional Policies
- Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP, 2003)—improves productivity and food security.
- Malabo Declaration (2014)—sets 2025 targets for agricultural growth and prosperity.
- AU Declaration on Land Issues and Challenges (2009)—promotes equitable land access.
- African Seed and Biotech Programme—enhances crop resilience and productivity.
- Feed Africa Strategy (2016-2025)—private investment in agriculture.
- Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy—multi-sectoral approach to nutrition security.
- African Emergency Food Production Facility (2022)—$1.5 billion to boost staple crop production and reduce import dependency.
- Water-related policies include the Africa Water Vision for 2025, AfDB Policy on Water, and the Global Water Partnership strategy.
EU Policy
- Focuses both on internal food security and global responsibilities.
- Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)—financial support, sustainability, climate resilience, and biodiversity.
- Farm to Fork Strategy—part of the European Green Deal, aims for sustainable food systems, reduced pesticide/fertilizer use, and expanded organic farming.
- General Food Law Regulation (2002)—ensures food safety and crisis response.
- European Food Security Crisis Preparedness Mechanism—post-pandemic/Ukraine war measure for monitoring and crisis response.
- Strategic Reserve for Fertilisers and Grains—reduces import dependency.
- EU Climate Adaptation Strategy—improves water efficiency, soil health, and crop resilience.
Role of Earth Observation (EO)
- The report maps how EO technologies are or could be integrated into policy frameworks for monitoring, implementation, and addressing gaps, particularly in Africa-focused ESA projects related to water stress and food security.
- There is potential for greater use of EO in supporting policy goals, especially for monitoring and early warning systems.
Conclusion
The report highlights the interconnectedness of food security with climate, trade, water, and agricultural policies across international, EU, and African levels. It underscores the need for coordinated action, resilience-building, and technological innovation (like EO) to address current and future food security challenges, especially in the face of geopolitical and environmental disruptions
For the full report, download here.
Image credit: FAO/Giulio Napolitano
