ORF argues India should bring Africa farming capacity, not food aid

The ORF piece of 29 October argues that the US–Iran and Russia–Ukraine wars have caused supply shocks in food, fertiliser and energy, and that Africa has been hit hardest. According to the author, cereal yields in Africa average 1.7 tonnes per hectare, less than half the world average of 4.2 tonnes (2024). The number of Africans facing hunger has risen from 171 million in 2010 to about 309 million. The continent produces less than 4% of global carbon dioxide emissions, yet it is warming faster than the world average.

The author notes that African countries' combined debt exceeds 1.8 trillion dollars, and that aid cuts by advanced economies and the closure of USAID have weakened support. The DRC, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and the Central African Republic are listed among the countries facing acute food insecurity. The piece points out that India has financed roads, bridges and railways through lines of credit, backed the African Union's permanent G20 membership, and made food security a pillar of cooperation at the 3rd India–Africa Forum Summit.

The author makes 6 recommendations. India should use its global standing for the food security of the Global South and redefine the partnership as demand-driven and focused on local capacity. It should increase its share of aid and draw up an African-led food sovereignty roadmap with Indian and African scientists. Aid should shift from emergency food towards local production and agro-industry. The approach should be agroecological, taking account of climate risk and local knowledge. India's Green Revolution is offered as the model.