Research into new crops resistant to heat, droughts or
floods, better support for small-scale farmers and greater involvement by
national leaders in setting policies in sectors from transport to education
were needed, it said.
"Africa can feed itself. And it can make the transition
from hungry importer to self-sufficiency in a single generation," said an
international study led by Harvard University professor Calestous Juma.
About 70 percent of Africans are involved in agriculture but
almost 250 million people, or a quarter of the population of the poorest
continent, are undernourished. The number has risen by 100 million since 1990.
Juma, who is a professor of international development, told
Reuters that food self-sufficiency would require big shifts in policies that
have led to dependence on food aid handouts and imports in many nations.
"Climate change makes it more difficult," he said
in a telephone interview of the study released to coincide with a meeting of
several African leaders in Tanzania on Thursday, as well as UN talks on slowing
climate change in Cancun, Mexico.
The UN panel of climate scientists says that up to 220
million people in Africa could face extra disruptions to water supplies by
2020. It says the continent faces more heatwaves, floods, mudslides,
desertification and droughts.
Juma said the study, "The New Harvest, Agricultural
Innovation in Africa," called for more involvement by national leaders in
solving problems in sectors such as water, energy, transport, communications
and education.
He said that the army, for instance, might refuse if the
agriculture minister asked them to build a new road vital to distribute food.
"But if the president asks they will do it. The president is the commander
in chief," he said.
Research, including genetic modification, could help by developing
new crops, perhaps by exploiting traits in indigenous varieties, he said.
"New technologies, especially biotechnology, provide
African countries with additional tools for improving the welfare of
farmers," said Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore in a statement about
the study.
And any methods developed by Africa could help other parts
of the world. "It will pave the way for improved collaboration between
Africa and South America," said Costa Rican President Laura Chincilla.
