RECLAIMING AFRICA’S FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

I recently had the privilege of attending a learning space in Kenya on African food sovereignty, organised by Akina Mama wa Afrika, a pan-African leadership development organisation. This experience deepened my understanding of the term ‘sovereignty’ and its critical importance for African nations. At its core, sovereignty refers to the authority of a state or community to govern itself without external interference. When we talk about food sovereignty, we’re emphasising the right of people to define their own food systems. This means having control over the seeds we plant, the methods we use to grow our food, and the ability to ensure that what ends up on our plates is healthy and culturally appropriate.

Why is food sovereignty essential for Africa?

Imagine relying on others for your daily meals. If they decide to stop providing food one day, you’d go hungry. This is the reality for many African nations that depend heavily on imported food. Such dependence can be risky, especially when global markets fluctuate or during crises like pandemics. Achieving food sovereignty means producing our own food, tailored to our cultural preferences and nutritional needs. It empowers local farmers, boosts the economy and reduces vulnerability to global market shocks.

Seeds are at the heart of food sovereignty. Yet, Africa’s seed systems have become increasingly dominated by multinational agribusinesses that push commercialised agriculture over indigenous farming practices. This corporate control of seeds is a modern form of colonialism, stripping communities of their ability to freely save, share and plant seeds. Small-scale farmers across the continent are being encouraged if not coerced into abandoning traditional seed varieties in favour of commercial hybrids.

These seeds require expensive chemical fertilisers and pesticides, increasing dependency on foreign agribusinesses while eroding the continents biodiversity. True food sovereignty means having the right to control land, water and natural resources without external influence. The dominance of agribusinesses in Africa’s seed markets directly undermines this right, reinforcing a cycle of dependency that is detrimental to both people and the planet.

A royal endorsement

Highlighting the importance of this issue, His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini, in his 2025 Speech from the Throne, emphasised the nation’s commitment to food sovereignty. He stated: “Food sovereignty remains a priority for the Kingdom of Eswatini. The country is aiming at producing all the food that it eats since the availability of financial resources does not guarantee a provision of food.” This royal endorsement underscores the urgency for the country to prioritise local food production and reduce reliance on imports.

How women bear the brunt

Women play a central role in African agriculture, producing the majority of food grown on the continent. However, they are also the most vulnerable to the exploitative practices of corporate agriculture. The push for commercialised seeds has led to the marginalisation of traditional farming knowledge, much of which has been preserved and passed down by women. When women lose access to indigenous seeds, they also lose their autonomy over food production.

This affects not only household nutrition but also economic independence. Many rural women in Eswatini and across Africa rely on farming for sustenance and income. The shift toward expensive, corporate-controlled seeds forces them into a cash economy that they cannot afford to sustain. Moreover, exposure to chemical pesticides and fertilisers, often marketed as necessary for these new seed varieties, poses significant health risks, disproportionately affecting women who work the land daily.

The role of consumers: What can we do?

You might wonder: “How can I contribute to this movement?” Here are some simple yet impactful actions:

• Support local farmers: Purchase produce from local markets. This not only supports the local economy but also encourages farmers to continue growing diverse and indigenous crops.

• Choose organic: Opt for organically grown foods. These are cultivated without harmful pesticides and fertilisers, promoting better health for consumers and the environment.

• Know your food’s journey: Take an interest in where your food comes from. Ask questions about its origin and the methods used in its production.

• Grow your own: If you have the space, consider starting a small garden. Growing even a portion of your food can be rewarding and reduces dependence on commercial systems.

Think about the last meal you had. Do you know where each ingredient came from? How was it grown? Who benefitted from your purchase? By reflecting on these questions, we become more conscious consumers and active participants in the journey toward food sovereignty. Food sovereignty is more than a buzzword; it’s about reclaiming control over one of the most fundamental aspects of our lives, our food.

By supporting local, sustainable practices and being mindful of our food choices, we can contribute to a movement that promotes health, economic stability and true independence for African nations. Reclaiming Africa’s food sovereignty is an act of resistance against neocolonialism and corporate exploitation. The struggle over land, seeds, water and power is not just about agriculture, it is about justice, equity and the right of African people to define their own future.

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