Alliance2015, the African Union (AU), and Ethiopian government ministries of agriculture, Health and Agricultural Transformation Institute joined hands to launch the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI) Report. The event was held at the AU headquarters with the theme "The Power of Youth in Shaping Food Systems." Discussions centered on how youth can be catalysts for positive change in Africa's food systems.
The launch showcased compelling evidence, examples, and recommendations. These can be used by governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development partners to collaborate and create an environment where young people can thrive.
The GHI report itself paints a concerning picture. Nine countries, eight of them in Africa, face alarming hunger levels. The GHI dialogue in several African nations (including Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe) pinpointed key challenges such as difficulty accessing information, limited and unequal access to financial resources, climate change impacts and restricted access to education and skills training
Country Focus Ethiopia
Ethiopia's situation is also concerning. Ranking 101st out of 125 countries, the nation has a "serious" hunger level according to the 2023 GHI score (26.2). Youth Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) revealed limitations to youth engagement in Ethiopia's food systems. These limitations include access to land, capital, resources, and technology, lack of services such as extension, credit, and market opportunities as well absence of tailored capacity-building support.
However, the discussions also highlighted the significant roles Ethiopian youth can play a vital role in all aspects of the food system, from input supply to consumption, leading in innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting sustainable agriculture, participating in food system policy-making, haring knowledge and building capacity, etc.
A Platform for Youth Engagement and Solutions
The GHI launch served a crucial purpose. It provided evidence, recommendations, and a platform for collaboration. Governments, CSOs, youth themselves, the private sector, and development partners can all work together to create an enabling environment for youth. This will be key to achieving sustainable solutions for food and nutrition security in Africa. Additionally, the launch provided a space for young people to showcase their inspiring work through an exhibition.
The launch was held in the presence of the African Union Commission Ethiopian Government Ministers, Delegation of the European Union to the African Union, German, Ireland and Switzerland Ambassadors as well as development partners (CSO, donors, UN, research institutes, etc).
