This year, we observe World Food Day in exceptional times as countries around the world tackle the widespread effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence from the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report (2020) shows rising levels of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity in the world. It also indicates that the global COVID-19 pandemic could add about 135 million people to the population battling acute food crises in the world.

Current data suggests that more than half of the people battling acute food crises are in Africa. African food systems, as we know, are facing several shocks ranging from the widespread effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the desert locust plague in some regions, protracted economic slowdown, to environmental and climate change impacts.

Hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity are significant barriers to achieving social and economic transformation. The theme for World Food Day 2020 is “Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together. Our Actions are our future.” Therefore, tackling global hunger affecting over 2 billion people who do not have regular access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food, is necessary if we are to achieve sustainable development.

In pursuit of the goals of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals, AUDA-NEPAD implements targeted interventions following the agency's strategic priorities for strengthening food systems and the empowerment of rural communities; as well as promoting climate resilience, environment, and sustainable natural resources management.

AUDA-NEPAD is working with Member States, governments, and partners to expand global and continental policies at all levels to transform African food systems through the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, the continent's policy for agricultural transformation, food security, and nutrition.

As we commemorate World Food Day, AUDA-NEPAD calls on all concerned to transform agri-food systems that integrate production, supply, and value chains, to ensure regular supply of adequate, affordable, and healthy food for all people, regardless of their geography, income, age, or gender.

Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki

CEO, AUDA-NEPAD