- The Islamic Development Bank raised concerns about Africa’s increasing reliance on food imports, which is projected to reach $110 billion by 2025
- Dr. Nizar Zaied emphasized the need to strengthen African agricultural systems, despite the continent possessing 60% of the world’s arable land
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has raised concerns about Africa’s rising dependence on food imports, which amounted to $43 billion in 2019 and is forecast to reach $110 billion by 2025.
Dr. Nizar Zaied, the IsDB’s Head of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Rural Development, highlighted this worrisome trend during a workshop on the IsDB-funded Agropastoral Development Project held in Kano.
The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) and the Kano State government organised the event.
Dr. Zaied pointed out that despite Africa having 60% of the world’s arable land, its growing reliance on food imports signals the urgent need to strengthen the continent’s agricultural systems.
He stressed the Islamic Development Bank’s commitment to achieving food security across Africa by encouraging the use of improved seed varieties and efficient fertiliser application.
He also noted Ethiopia’s success in increasing its national crop yield by 25%, demonstrating the potential for similar agricultural advancements throughout Africa.