AfDB Condems Africa's 80% Wheat Import Dependency

News in brief:- AfDB has called for strategic investments in wheat production to address Africa's growing demand of 75 million metric tonnes.- Technology and policy reforms are highlighted as key to boosting agricultural productivity and food security. The African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has called for strategic investment and innovation in wheat production across Africa. Speaking at the West and Central Africa Wheat Summit 2024 in Abuja, Adesina highlighted the need to reduce Africa's heavy dependence on wheat imports, which currently account for over 80% of the continent's wheat supply. The increasing population and changing diets have driven wheat consumption to over 75 million metric tons (MMT), a significant rise from 25 MMT just two decades ago. Adesina emphasised the transformative potential of technology in agriculture, pointing to Brazil’s Cerrado region as an example. Brazil's adoption of technology in mechanisation, irrigation, and high-yield crop varieties led to a 300% increase in cotton production and a 75% rise in soybean production in two decades. This transformation demonstrates how technology, supported by strong policies, can boost agricultural productivity and food security. Dr. Abdul Kamara, representing Adesina, emphasised that addressing climate change, limited finance, and post-harvest losses in West and Central Africa requires not only technology but also supportive policies. Similarly, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other stakeholders urged private sector participation to support government efforts. Africa’s population is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, making wheat an increasingly vital food source. The summit aims to promote policy reforms, innovation, and investments to enhance wheat production, ensure food security, and drive economic resilience across West and Central Africa.