Resilient African Markets: Fortifying Food Security Amidst Global Crises

As the world grapples with escalating food insecurity driven by extreme weather, climate change, and conflict, a new report sheds light on a promising solution: the power of territorial markets deeply rooted in African communities. These vibrant hubs, embedded in local culture, offer a path to increased self-sufficiency, food security, and climate resilience, providing a lifeline for vulnerable populations.

Unlocking the Potential of Grassroots Food Systems

Thriving Hubs of Diversity and Affordability

Zimbabwe's Mbare Agricultural Market in Harare, the country's largest local market, is a bustling hub of activity, with traders arriving from across the nation to offer over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Here, prices are determined through a dynamic process of comparison and negotiation, reflecting the daily fluctuations in supply and demand. This flexibility allows the market to cater to the needs of low-income communities, ensuring access to a diverse array of affordable, climate-resilient foods.Charles Dhewa, the CEO of Knowledge Transfer Africa, a rural and agricultural development organization, is a regular customer at Mbare. He highlights the market's ability to supply vast quantities of produce, far exceeding the capacities of supermarkets. "Whereas other supermarkets in Harare supply only 10 tons of potatoes a day, Mbare market supplies more than 800 tons," he explains. This abundance translates to greater nutritional access for the community, with prices kept in check to ensure affordability for all.

Adaptability in the Face of Crisis

As the world grapples with escalating food insecurity, territorial markets have proven to be remarkably resilient. In Zimbabwe, the worst drought in decades has impacted grain harvests, while the ripple effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have driven up prices. In response, farmers have turned to growing more resilient indigenous grains, such as millet, which they then sell through the territorial markets.Similarly, in Kenya's arid and semi-arid regions, which have endured three severe droughts in the last decade, affected populations have relied on the territorial markets in other regions to access essential foods. "Most of the highland regions were still able to produce limited vegetables and tubers that could be ferried by trucks to the markets in the cities and ASAL regions," explains Edward Muiruri Kamiruj, a program officer at PELUM Kenya. "The territorial markets therefore acted not only as sources of fresh foods but also a lifeline for players in the various value chains."

Embracing Diversity and Climate-Resilient Crops

Territorial markets offer a unique advantage in their ability to accommodate a diverse array of food items, including indigenous and climate-resilient crops. In contrast, supermarkets often prioritize exotic varieties and first-grade products, leaving little room for the diverse seasonal commodities that thrive in local environments."Territorial markets take all sizes and grades, consistent with the reality that no farmer produces one size only or a single grade, no matter how efficient or mechanized," Dhewa explains. This flexibility allows for the commercialization of indigenous foods, which can be particularly valuable in the face of extreme weather events. For instance, during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding in East Africa, some farmers discovered that indigenous crops like rice, millet, and okra thrived in the excessive water, and were able to sell their bountiful harvests through the territorial markets.

Empowering Smallholder Farmers and Local Economies

Territorial markets provide a vital platform for smallholder farmers, offering them the opportunity to earn an income and reinvest in their production. These markets accommodate farmers across different income levels, backgrounds, and ages, with female sellers often serving as the de facto feature."By accommodating many farmers and many grades, farmers are able to earn an income and go back and produce," Dhewa says. This inclusive approach not only supports individual livelihoods but also strengthens local food systems and economies, building resilience from the ground up.

Barriers to Overcome: Lack of Investment and Infrastructure

Despite the numerous benefits of territorial markets, they face significant challenges due to a lack of investment and government support. Across the world, 70% of smallholders' financial needs go unmet, and in Africa, fewer than 10% of smallholders have access to formal credit. Dhewa notes that many markets lack basic services, such as clean water and sanitation facilities, as well as adequate storage and refrigeration, which can impact the quality and shelf life of the commodities.Transportation also poses a significant hurdle, as much of the indigenous food comes from remote areas with poor road infrastructure. "It is a big challenge," Dhewa acknowledges.Government investment, however, has often been skewed towards industrial agriculture, with policymakers preferring to rely on large-scale commodity infrastructure and global trading to manage food production. This lack of support for small-scale farming indirectly affects the viability of territorial markets, which are more resistant to global and climate shocks.

A Resilient Future: Investing in Grassroots Food Systems

As the world becomes increasingly unpredictable, the need for resilient food systems has never been more pressing. In Africa, where uncertainties abound, territorial markets offer a promising solution, providing a lifeline for vulnerable communities and a pathway to greater self-sufficiency, food security, and climate resilience."It is very clear to all of us now that the world is becoming much more unpredictable," says Million Belay, the general coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty Africa and a member of IPES-Food. "In Africa, especially, we live with so many uncertainties, so you have to have a system which erases shocks."By investing in and supporting these grassroots food systems, policymakers and development partners can empower local communities, strengthen local economies, and build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.