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NAIROBI, May 12 (Xinhua) – Sub-Saharan African countries are likely to face declining food and nutrition security amid disruptions in their farming systems triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, a report released was said. in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The 2020 Global Nutrition Report (GNR) said that African governments, industry and external financiers should prioritize mitigation measures to avoid a hunger and malnutrition crisis in a continent where viral respiratory disease is gradually spreading.
“We have seen significant progress in combating malnutrition in Africa, but the COVID-19 pandemic could reverse these advances,” said Jane Battersby-Lennard, associate professor at the African Center for Cities at the University of Cape Town.
COVID-19 is expected to increase this disparity, which means that now is the time to expand our efforts and support the most affected communities and people, “he added.
The Global Nutrition Report 2020, whose theme is “Action on Equity to End Malnutrition,” stated that robust policy, regulatory and funding interventions are key to driving nutrition outcomes in Africa.
According to the report, the COVID 19 pandemic has worsened the fragility of the continent’s agricultural systems, undermining efforts to feed a population that is already dealing with other infectious diseases such as HIV / AIDS and Ebola.
He recognized the substantial progress that some African countries have made to eradicate hunger and malnutrition thanks to investments in climate-resistant agricultural systems along with policy reforms.
The Global Nutrition Report 2020 highlighted Ethiopia for reducing the prevalence of stunting among children under five from 57.6 percent in 2000 to 38.4 percent in 2016.
He said Burundi has managed to reduce stunting levels from 64.0 percent in 2000 to 55.9 percent in 2016, despite dealing with a volatile political environment.
The report emphasized that agricultural diversification that encourages a shift from traditional staples like corn, wheat and rice to fruits, nuts and vegetables is key to increasing the resilience of African communities amid the twin challenges of malnutrition and the COVID-19 pandemic. Final product
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