Stand up, Take Action to Free the Hungry Billion

World Food Day on 16 October and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October are opportunities to stand up, be counted and take action to free the hungry millions in Africa.

ACORD in alliance with the Global Call to Action against Poverty is calling for food and agricultural systems in Africa that are based on food sovereignty, and for governments to live up to their responsibilities under the right to food. The emphasis is on the right to have access to productive resources to feed oneself, either by directly growing or gathering food or by earning money to buy food. Having access to food means not only physical access but also being able to afford food.

While Governments have a responsibility to respect, protect and fulfil their mandates pertaining to ensuring food security for their citizens, everyone has an obligation to take action to achieve the right to food. Citizens must effectively participate in key decision making processes, and hold our governments accountable for meeting their obligations.

Food Sovereignty: Reaching Food Security

Food sovereignty offers a holistic approach to reaching food security. The food sovereignty approach:

• focuses on food for people rather than seeing food as just another market commodity
• democratises control of food systems – including territory, land, grazing, water, seeds, livestock and fish populations – both in policies and in practice
• values food providers and supports their livelihoods
• localises food systems, bringing providers and consumers closer together
• builds knowledge and skills, valuing local and traditional knowledge
• works with nature, using agro-ecological methods and supporting adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change

Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase the quantity and quality of investment in small-scale agriculture as well as regulate trade to promote African farmers access to national markets. ACORD continue to pursue these goals working closely with its partners and supporters. The aim is to pursue the support to communities and build their capacity for challenging unfavourable policies and practices, engaging in policy debate and holding their governments accountable for the protection of their rights to food sovereignty in Africa.