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Abstract
This article is directed at answering three questions: what are the causes of food insecurity in Africa? What proportion of food insecurity is attributable to climate change, and lastly, how effective have the international food treaties been in addressing food insecurity in Africa? Information is scarce on the audit of the implementation, effectiveness and achievements of the various treaties over the years. None of the existing treaties specifically targets chronic food insecurity and historical issues as is common in Africa. Historical and geopolitical issues are responsible for food insecurity, as climate change only worsened the deplorable situation. It would not be possible for Africa to realise the sustainable development goals if the story does not change. Recommendations underline the need to handle historical and geopolitical issues independently, review existing treaties to identify gaps and determine the way forward.
Abstract
China-Africa cooperation, is a story of many successes, while also raising many eye-brows, as the world comes into terms with the alternative approach to development aid. The indebted African countries, hitherto considered unsuitable for funding by the west have had a fall-back position with China and successfully applied for development funding to support mainly infrastructure projects. Livelihood sustainability (food security) is therefore neglected, herein referred to as the hanging and untapped ‘win-win’ opportunity for partnership. The article is based on secondary data and adopts the theories of human-ecological system model and the sustainable livelihoods approach. In the discussions, some of the global challenges in the Afro-China cooperation, besides food security, include climate change, trade imbalance, migration and deforestation, which require multidisciplinary approach to handle. The conclusions underlined prioritizing of food security by leveraging on synergies within sustainable development goals for sustainability. Careful evaluation of new future partnerships is recommended.