"Accelerate Action for a Hunger free Africa" is the theme of this year 5^th African Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) celebrated today in Kinshasa, in the DRC. 

While celebrating the day, the continent has continued to experience worsening episodes of under-nutrition, vulnerability to famines and harrowing statistics of stunting. More over Africa has continued to lead in statistics and indicators of child and maternal under-nutrition, relatively low levels of micronutrient deficiencies, wasting and stunted growth.

Speaking during the official launch of the ADFNS, Mr. Vahamwiti Mukesyayira the Congolese Minister of Agriculture representing the Prime Minister has acknowledged the fact that his country has more than 2 million of children suffering from chronic malnutrition. He calls upon the African Union to improve its commitment by assisting the DRC in ending the conflict in East Congo.

As close to 850 million people that are affected by chronic hunger and malnutrition are living in Africa, Mr Ndiaga Gueye, FAO Representative in DRC, speaking on behalf of the UNDP Coordinator reiterate the UN system support in fighting hunger and malnutrition within the continent. An Africa free of hunger requires a ‘’strong political willingness and commitment from governments in order to accelerate action for a Hunger free Africa’’ says Gueye.

H.E. Rhoda Peace Tumisiime, AU Commissioner for rural Economy and Agriculture

Echoing to that, H.E. Rhoda Peace Tumisiime, AU Commissioner for rural Economy and Agriculture stated that’’ the Commission aim to enhance its existing capacity to mobilize and facilitate partnership for its NEPAD CAADP Programme in order to achieve its high-end goals, through a new, unified approach.’’ Moreover, the Commission will advocate harder that AU Member States invest substantially in women and youth to play unprecedented roles in investing in the agriculture and food security sector in order to transform the continent.

In a remarks red by Mr Augustin Wambo to delegates, Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki  NEPAD Agency CEO stated that ’ it’s my singular belief that every sector must be held accountable for their performance on fast tracking action to end hunger in Africa.’ To that end, ‘’coordinated action from various stakeholders including state and non- state actors says Dr Mayaki.

Participants at the event

Amongts expected outcomes the 5th ADFNS will renewed demonstrable commitment by Africa’s partners to align, harmonize and coordinate programmes that ensure mutual accountability for results and renewed demonstrable commitment by Member States, supported by Development Partners, to develop national capacities for better data and information management.

The ADFNS was virtually launched during the October 2010 Conference of Ministers of Agriculture in Lilongwe, Malawi. Subsequent editions of the ADFNS followed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2011 and 2012) and in Niamey, Niger (2013).

The ADFNS is a political platform for galvanizing renewed commitments by African Leaders toward reversing the current malnutrition issues