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From crisis to opportunity: Transforming food systems for a hunger-free future


From crisis to opportunity: Transforming food systems for a hunger-free future
From crisis to opportunity: Transforming food systems for a hunger-free future | Photo: Linh Pham

The Zero Hunger Coalition stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. With over 828 million people around the world facing hunger, it is evident that global food systems are at a breaking point. Factors such as climate change, conflict, the pandemic, and rising food prices are exacerbating the crisis, pushing global hunger and malnutrition to unprecedented levels. As the United Nations (UN) continues to focus on sustainable development, the Zero Hunger Coalition aims to align global efforts towards achieving Zero Hunger by 2030, in line with the global goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.


The UN Secretary-General has called for urgent action, stressing the need to transform food systems to achieve sustainability and end hunger. Today, sustainable food systems are no longer a choice, but an imperative to combat the multifaceted global hunger crisis. As the global population continues to rise and natural resources become increasingly strained, there is an urgent need to address the deep-rooted issues of inequality, economic equality, climate action, and social justice to achieve food security for all.


Tackling hunger through evidence-based actions


The Zero Hunger Coalition’s mission is founded on bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders—including governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations—to implement science-based, high-impact actions. One key strategy is to develop evidence-based roadmaps that support countries in transforming their agriculture and food systems. To date, the Coalition has developed costed roadmaps for countries such as Ethiopia, Malawi, and Nigeria. These roadmaps are critical in guiding countries on how to end hunger, improve nutrition, enhance food security, and boost economic opportunities for small-scale producers while addressing the challenges of climate change.


As an example, in Nigeria, smallholder farmers who contribute significantly to the food supply are particularly vulnerable to rising food prices and erratic weather patterns. Through targeted interventions such as improving access to sustainable farming practices, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting market access, the Zero Hunger Coalition is working to create a resilient agricultural system that can better withstand climate shocks.

 

Addressing the global hunger crisis requires the collective efforts of all sectors of society. The global society must come together to align priorities, drive investment, and engage in partnerships that support sustainable agricultural practices and food systems. One significant initiative driving this collaboration is the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge, which encourages businesses to invest in countries that are most affected by hunger. Through this pledge, private companies can partner with governments and civil society to support sustainable agriculture initiatives, promote climate resilience, and ensure that food systems are equitable and inclusive.


Investment from the private sector, coupled with political will and the active participation of civil society, can catalyse the transformation of food systems globally. According to the Coalition, more than 84% of countries have developed National Food Systems Transformation Pathways to align their national policies with the goals of achieving zero hunger by 2030. The National Pathways are an essential tool in ensuring that countries are on track to achieve the UN SDGs and will continue to guide efforts towards ending hunger, achieving gender equality, and ensuring access to healthy diets for all.


The Kampala Declaration


One of the most significant frameworks in the fight against hunger is the Kampala Declaration, which emerged from the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). In 2023, the African Union adopted a new strategy and action plan for the transformation of Africa's agrifood systems, marking a bold step towards achieving food security and sustainable development on the continent. The new strategy focuses on sustainable food production, inclusive livelihoods, climate resilience, and economic growth in the agricultural sector.

 



 

The Kampala Declaration outlines a clear set of objectives for the continent, including boosting investment, improving food security, advancing economic inclusivity, and building resilient agrifood systems. As African nations implement the CAADP Strategy, it is crucial that they align their national priorities with the global agenda for zero hunger, using scientific evidence and cost-effective strategies to guide their actions. The commitment of African leaders to transform agriculture is critical, particularly given the challenges posed by rapid population growth and the unpredictable impacts of climate change.


In her remarks at the Zero Hunger Coalition’s webinar, Francine Picard, Coordinator of the Coalition, highlighted that the African continent must focus on sustainable development to ensure long-term food security. The Kampala Declaration offers a bold vision of Africa's future and provides a roadmap for achieving a sustainable agriculture system that prioritises economic equality, food access, and social justice. The strategy is designed to ensure that Africa’s agrifood systems are not only productive but also climate-resilient and equitable for all.


Strategic objectives for achieving zero hunger


The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan are aligned with the goals of the Zero Hunger Coalition and aim to address the multifaceted challenges of hunger, nutrition, and poverty. The strategy outlines several key objectives for African nations to focus on, including:


  • Intensifying sustainable food production and agro-industrialisation.

  • Boosting investment and finance for agriculture and food systems.

  • Ensuring food security and improving nutrition.

  • Advancing inclusivity and equitable livelihoods, particularly for women and youth.

  • Building the resilience of agrifood systems to climate change.

  • Strengthening food system governance at national and regional levels.


These objectives aim to create an inclusive and sustainable agricultural system that benefits all sectors of society, promotes economic equality, and protects the environment. The success of these objectives depends on collaboration between governments, international partners, and the private sector to ensure long-term investments in sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation.


Moving forward


While the Kampala Declaration and CAADP offer ambitious targets, countries must overcome significant challenges to implement these strategies successfully. As highlighted by Dr. Dora Siliya, former Minister of Agriculture in Zambia, key challenges include frequent policy disruptions, difficulties in resource mobilisation, and a silo mentality that impedes effective collaboration across government ministries and stakeholders.


To overcome these barriers, African nations must prioritise long-term development over short-term solutions, ensuring that resources are mobilised efficiently to implement the CAADP strategy and strengthen food systems. Political will, cooperation among stakeholders, and financial investment are all critical components in achieving sustainable development and ending hunger across Africa.


International partners, including the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and development organisations, have committed to aligning their efforts with the Kampala Declaration. By working together, stakeholders can leverage their collective resources and expertise to ensure that food systems are more resilient, sustainable, and equitable, thereby contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and a more sustainable future.

 

The Zero Hunger Coalition’s work is vital in achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger by 2030. As the Coalition continues to develop evidence-based interventions, connect stakeholders, and drive investment in sustainable agriculture, it is crucial that global efforts remain focused on climate action, social justice, and economic equality. The path to sustainable food systems is challenging, but with collaboration and commitment, the global community can ensure that no one is left behind.

 

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