Africa’s economy grows, but many stomachs are empty

President Trump should deny him the privilege.

Each year, governments, journalists, development experts and others look forward to the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report. The report includes a ranking of countries based on life expectancy, literacy, quality of life and so on. Once it is released, governments and citizens of countries with high rankings immediately trumpet their achievements. Those with lower rankings, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which was last in 2013 in Africa, come in for criticism.

There is a harsh paradox of suffering amidst plenty of a continent with rich, arable land but unable to feed its citizens. “Hunger and malnutrition remain pervasive on a continent with ample agricultural endowments,” notes Mr. Gettu. “Africa has the knowledge, the technology, and the means to end hunger and insecurity.”

Sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s most food-insecure region and where poverty is particularly alarming, according to UNDP.

The right steps can be taken right away to stem the tide of food insecurity. Some of these steps are listed in the UNDP report: “Greater agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers more effective nutrition policies, especially for children greater community and household resilience to cope with shocks and wider popular participation and empowerment, especially of women and the rural poor.”

It appears that many African leaders agree with these steps.

More From AfricaRenewal Online: