Launch of the Africa Human Development Report

On Wednesday 6^th June 2012, the United Nations Development Programme will launch the first ever Africa Human Development Report entitled Towards a Food Secure Future

The Report which was globally launched on May 15, 2012 in Kenya by UNDP Administrator Ms. Helen Clark at a ceremony attended by Kenya’s President Mr. Mwai Kibaki states that Sub Saharan Africa cannot sustain its present economic gains unless it eliminates hunger and poverty that affects nearly half of its citizens.

According to the Report, despite Sub-Saharan Africa having abundant agricultural resources, millions of its people remain hungry and malnourished especially due to uneven local food production and distribution and chronically deficient diets notably among the poorest.

The Report further states that misguided policies, weak institutions and failing markets are major causes of food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Report adds that even where food is available, a majority of people in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot afford it due to poverty.

The Report therefore suggests that persistent challenges and future threats to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa demand restructuring of the way food is produced, processed, distributed and consumed. That notwithstanding, Malawi has made substantive progress in achieving food security among the poor.

The Report also calls for new approaches covering multiple sectors from rural infrastructure to health services, to new forms of social protection and empowering local communities. Ensuring that the poor and vulnerable have greater voice through strengthened local government and civil society groups is also needed to ensure food security for all.

The Report will be launched by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Honourable Professor Peter Mwanza and UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Richard Dictus on Wednesday June 6, 2012 at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

What:        Launch of the Africa Human Development Report

When:       Wednesday June 6, 2012 from 9:00am

Where:      Crossroads Hotel, Lilongwe

Who:         Honourable Professor Peter Mwanza, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

Mr. Richard Dictus, UNDP Resident Representative