Analysis & Opinions - The Conversation
If Africa Learnt to Feed its Chickens it Could Feed its People
Africa, which imports nearly 83% of the food it consumes, has a real chicken and egg problem. The continent is caught between pressure from imports in some countries and an inability to meet demand in others.
Africa's chicken crisis is an expression of overall weaknesses in its agricultural system. If Africa cannot raise its grain production it cannot expect do well in increasing its chicken output.
It is a complex problem. Producing chickens requires low-cost feed such as corn. Yet producing grain to meet human needs remains one of the continent's most pressing challenges. Africa's urban populations, for example, are growing faster than the continent can produce grain. This has contributed to Africa's shift from being a net food exporter to being a net food importer....
Continue reading: https://theconversation.com/if-africa-learnt-to-feed-its-chickens-it-could-feed-its-people-65571
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Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Juma, Calestous.“If Africa Learnt to Feed its Chickens it Could Feed its People.” The Conversation, September 20, 2016.
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Africa, which imports nearly 83% of the food it consumes, has a real chicken and egg problem. The continent is caught between pressure from imports in some countries and an inability to meet demand in others.
Africa's chicken crisis is an expression of overall weaknesses in its agricultural system. If Africa cannot raise its grain production it cannot expect do well in increasing its chicken output.
It is a complex problem. Producing chickens requires low-cost feed such as corn. Yet producing grain to meet human needs remains one of the continent's most pressing challenges. Africa's urban populations, for example, are growing faster than the continent can produce grain. This has contributed to Africa's shift from being a net food exporter to being a net food importer....
Continue reading: https://theconversation.com/if-africa-learnt-to-feed-its-chickens-it-could-feed-its-people-65571
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Policy Brief - Quarterly Journal: International Security
The Future of U.S. Nuclear Policy: The Case for No First Use
Discussion Paper - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Why the United States Should Spread Democracy


