> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2025 – Financing towards Agrifood Systems Transformation ## Core Content This document provides a comprehensive analysis of food security and nutrition challenges in Africa and highlights the need for increased financing to transform agrifood systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to hunger and malnutrition. It emphasizes the role of public policy, private investment, and blended finance in addressing these issues. ## Main Trends and Statistics ### Undernourishment and Food Insecurity - **Prevalence of undernourishment (PoU)** in Africa reached **20.2%** in 2024, meaning **306.5 million people** were undernourished, compared to a global average of **8.2%**. - **Moderate or severe food insecurity** affected **59%** of Africa's population, or **892.7 million people**, in 2024, more than double the global average of **28%**. - **Severe food insecurity** impacted **22.2%** of Africa's population, or **337 million people**, in 2024. ### Malnutrition - **Stunting** among children under 5 years of age remained high at **over 30%** in 2024, despite progress over the past two decades. - **Wasting** in children under 5 years of age was **5.4%** in 2024, slightly below the global estimate of **6.6%**, but still high in most subregions. - **Overweight** in children under 5 years of age was **4.5%** in 2024, below the global estimate. - **Anaemia** among women aged 15–49 years was **35.9%** in 2023, significantly higher than the global average and especially prevalent in **Western and Central Africa**. ### Nutrition Indicators - **Adult obesity** in Africa reached **16.2%** in 2022, slightly above the global average and increasing over the past two decades. - **Exclusive breastfeeding** among infants aged 0–5 months was **45.2%** in 2023, slightly below the global average, with only **Eastern Africa** on track to meet the 2030 target. - **Low birthweight** prevalence in Africa was **13.9%** in 2020, still higher than the global estimate. ### Cost and Affordability of a Healthy Diet - The **average cost of a healthy diet** in Africa was **USD 4.41 per person per day** in 2024, up **5.5%** from 2023. - This cost is **well above the extreme poverty threshold** of **USD 2.15 per person per day**, indicating that even non-poor individuals in Africa may struggle to afford a healthy diet. - In 2024, **over 1 billion people** in Africa could not afford a healthy diet, an increase of **over 29 million** from 2023 and **145 million** since the pandemic. ## Financing for Agrifood Systems ### Sources of Financing - **Domestic public expenditure** in agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) in Africa was **USD 16 billion** in 2022, up from **USD 12.6 billion** in 2020 and **USD 14.6 billion** in 2021. - **International development funding** includes **Official Development Assistance (ODA)** and **Other Official Flows (OOF)**. Between 2017 and 2021, ODA and OOF grew at **6%** and **2%** annually, respectively, but remained less than a priority for donors, with **less than 27%** of flows directed to food security and nutrition. - **Credit from the domestic banking system** to the AFF sector has been **less than 4%** of total credit from 2001 to 2022, despite an increasing trend in loan stocks since 2005. - **Foreign direct investment (FDI)** in Africa's food and beverages sector has been **low**, with annual inflows generally under **USD 2 billion** since 2003, except for certain years. - **Remittances** have become a significant source of foreign income, reaching **USD 100.1 billion** in 2022, benefiting **200 million people**, though the cost of sending remittances remains high. ## Key Challenges and Opportunities ### Challenges - **Conflict, climate variability, and economic downturns** are major drivers of worsening food security and malnutrition. - **Persistent inequalities** and **high financial risks** hinder investment in agrifood systems. - **Funding shortages** and **inadequate policy frameworks** make it difficult for African governments to meet SDG2 targets. - **Limited private financing** and **low FDI inflows** into the agrifood sector are major constraints. ### Opportunities - **Blended finance** offers a promising approach to reduce risks and enhance returns for investments in agrifood systems. - **Public-private partnerships** and **innovative financial instruments** can support smallholder farmers, agri-SMEs, and other stakeholders. - **Diaspora remittances** can be a powerful tool for financing, though they are often not efficiently utilized. - **Local financial institutions** and **microfinance** can improve access to credit for small-scale producers. - **Technology and digital finance** (e.g., M-PESA, One Acre Fund) can enhance financial inclusion and productivity in agrifood systems. ## Role of Public Policy - **Public policy** is crucial in creating an **enabling environment** for investment in agrifood systems. - **Key initiatives** such as the **Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)** and the **African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)** are driving reforms and improving financial access. - **Costs of inaction** are high, with significant social, economic, and health implications for the continent. ## Conclusion Africa is off track to achieve **SDG2 (Zero Hunger)** and **Malabo targets** by 2030. The **worsening food security** and **slow progress in nutrition** necessitate a **substantial increase in financing** for agrifood systems transformation. A **robust policy and institutional framework** is essential to mobilize resources, improve access to credit, and reduce financial risks. **Blended finance**, **public-private partnerships**, and **innovative financial instruments** are highlighted as critical tools to support this transformation. ## Key Recommendations - Increase **public and private investment** in agrifood systems. - Strengthen **policy and regulatory frameworks** to support financial inclusion and resilience. - Promote **blended finance mechanisms** to reduce risks and attract more capital. - Improve **access to credit** for smallholder farmers and agri-SMEs. - Enhance **remittance utilization** and **financial infrastructure** to support rural and small-scale producers. ## Summary of Key Financial Data - **Domestic public expenditure** in AFF increased to **USD 16 billion** in 2022. - **ODA and OOF** to Africa for food security and nutrition grew at **6%** and **2%** annually between 2017 and 2021. - **Net banking loans** to AFF declined from 2017 to 2022. - **FDI inflows** to Africa's food and beverages sector were generally below **USD 2 billion** annually. - **Remittances** reached **USD 100.1 billion** in 2022, making them the **largest source of foreign income** for many African economies.