COVID-19 and Hunger in Africa: A crisis within a crisis

Olutosin Ademola Otekunrin

Abstract

In this paper, we assess Africa’s readiness towards attaining the zero hunger target by 2030 in the face of COVID-19. We found that most African countries have recorded steady reduction in their child mortality rates but high prevalence of undernourishment, stunting and child wasting coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic indicate significant challenges hampering the achievement of the zero hunger target. The study recommends that African governments should prioritise sustainable agricultural practices while serious attention should be given to the formulation and implementation of policies that reduce hunger in the face the COVID-19 pandemic.