By Duncan Mboyah
African governments and technocrats should embrace new technologies to improve food safety, security and loss.
Dr. Qimiao Fan, Division Director in charge of Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, eastern and southern Africa at the World Bank said that the complex challenges experienced today cannot be solved using yesterday’s tools.
“Let us embrace innovative solutions to tackle the pressing issue of food loss and waste, promote sustainable business practices and efficient resource utilization,” Dr. Fan told the 200 delegates attending the IFC’s 12th international food safety forum in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi.
He said that the World Bank is ready to assist African countries in addressing the continental access to food.
Henrik Pedersen, Regional Industry Director, manufacturing, agribusiness and services for Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), called for the intervention of the private sector to achieve food safety on the continent.
Pedersen observed that a collaboration between the public and private sectors is capable of saving the continent from importing US dollars 65 billion of food.
He said that the continent is blessed with fertile soil that is capable of sustaining populations from hunger.
Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said that Kenya is leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and traceability of the food supply chain, reduce food loss, and ensure that livestock products meet the highest safety standards.
Mueke added that technological advancements are crucial in the fight against malnutrition and in promoting overall health through initiatives such as food fortification.
He said that there has been a 15 percent reduction in foodborne diseases that is attributed to improved food safety practices over the past year.
On livestock, Mueke added that the number of livestock producers complying with international food safety standards has increased by 20 percent.
He observed that the achievement has been realised through the promotion of robust standards, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration.
The global experts drawn from the international organizations, policymakers, food producers, manufacturers, retailers and farmers met to foster collaboration to build a sustainable and resilient food system that benefits both businesses and consumers.
They discussed strategies and innovations around food safety, security and loss in Africa with the aim of improving food availability, reducing food loss, waste prevention and quality in the continent.
Aligned with the theme of the 2025 World Food Safety Day, “Safer Food – Better Health,” the forum offered a valuable opportunity to meet and negotiate with prospective investment and advisory clients.
