It is imperative to recognise the significant destructive role played by bad governance in exacerbating food insecurity. Bad governance severely impairs governments' preparedness to respond promptly to factors that contribute to food insecurity.
Africa, as a continent, exemplifies pervasive issues of poor governance across all levels of government. It is notorious for its entrenched problems of bad governance, including corruption, among other issues. In the context of addressing food insecurity, it is important to emphasise that good governance does not solely entail the establishment of a fully functioning democracy. Indeed, a democratic government is not a prerequisite for achieving good governance. Undoubtedly however, good governance serves as an essential tool in the pursuit of food security. Numerous studies have in fact underscored the pivotal role of good governance in formulating effective food security strategies.
A holistic approach is essential, encompassing both short-term interventions and long-term structural reforms. Firstly, immediate actions must focus on enhancing transparency and accountability in governance systems, particularly within the agricultural sector. Implementing mechanisms for monitoring and oversight can help mitigate corruption and ensure that resources allocated for food security initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries.
Simultaneously, addressing the root causes of bad governance requires sustained efforts to strengthen institutional capacities, promote inclusive decision-making processes, and encourage civic engagement. This entails investing in education and capacity-building programs to empower local communities, particularly marginalised groups, to actively participate in governance and hold authorities accountable. Moreover, nurturing partnerships between governments, civil society organisations, and international stakeholders can facilitate knowledge-sharing and resource mobilisation to support governance reforms aimed at promoting food security. However, foreign interests have often wielded significant influence over food policy and governance in Africa, shaping agendas to prioritise their own economic and geopolitical objectives over the continent's food security needs. Therefore, it's imperative to address these external influences and ensure that policies are formulated with the primary goal of enhancing food security for all Africans.