It is important for Africa to work on improving the efficiency of agriculture and food production in light of its growing population, said Josefa Sacko, the outgoing AU commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment.
"Our first strategic pillar is intensifying sustainable food production because we need to produce more. By 2050, Africa's population is projected to reach 2.5 billion, so how are we going to feed this growing population? That is why we must intensify sustainable food production," she said.
She noted that African countries must also expand their food processing capabilities. According to Sacko, improving these systems is necessary not only to strengthen food security but also to create jobs for Africa's rapidly growing young population.
The commissioner added that countries need to consider the impact of climate change on agriculture and apply innovative technologies to mitigate the adverse effects of recurring droughts and other natural disasters on Africa's agricultural sector.