The Silent Tsunami: Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Silent Tsunami: Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

The purpose of this study is to analyze the social economic factors that have contributed to the recent surge in food prices in sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests that the surge in food prices is a direct result of increasing demand for food such as dairy products, and the demand for fuel crops, such as wheat, maize, sugarcane and oil seeds for the production of bio-fuels. The study contends that social and economic safety nets should be provided to poor households to combat the adverse effects of high food prices. Along the same lines, alternative approaches for sustainable agricultural development such as traditional management regimes should be considered in the effort to address food security in sub-Sahara Africa because it is sustainable, environmentally safe and it is not capital intensive.