Hungry Africa's breadbasket needs to grow

Home-grown wheat could be the solution to a growing hunger problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The region is one of the few in which the number of undernourished people is rising, bucking a global trend. But a new analysis suggests wheat production there falls a long way short of what's possible.

A report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) concludes that the number of chronically undernourished people in the world has dropped in the last four years. Africa is the only region where the number has actually risen ? by 20 million over the same period. The FAO says that agricultural growth there is essential.

Wheat could be the answer, say researchers at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. At a conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this week they presented an analysis of 12 sub-Saharan countries. They conclude that in areas where conditions favour wheat growing, the yields are only hitting 10 to 25 per cent of their potential.

"[Extra wheat] would free locals from dependence on markets, where the price can rise by 50 per cent in a few months," says Hans-Joachim Braun, head of the centre's global wheat programme. Braun says African ministers have contacted him saying they want to grow wheat. The FAO report gives broad-brush guidance on where this might be feasible.

If you would like to reuse any content from New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndication department first for permission. New Scientist does not own rights to photos, but there are a variety of licensing options available for use of articles and graphics we own the copyright to.

Have your say

Only subscribers may leave comments on this article. Please log in.

Only personal subscribers may leave comments on this article

Subscribe now to comment.

All comments should respect the New Scientist House Rules. If you think a particular comment breaks these rules then please use the "Report" link in that comment to report it to us.

If you are having a technical problem posting a comment, please contact technical support.

Source: http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/24516206/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Carticle0Cdn223620Ehungry0Eafricas0Ebreadbasket0Eneeds0Eto0Egrow0Bhtml0Dcmpid0FRSS0QNSNS0Q20A120EGLOBAL0Qonline0Enews/story01.htm

ipad 3 release date apple store down apple live blog ohio primary cell phone jammer g8 summit netanyahu