How India & Africa Are Fighting Hunger: Essential Current Affairs

Why This Matters for Exams
This topic is critical for SSC, PSC, NIFT, and other exams because:
Covers high-priority themes: climate change, food security, and international partnerships.
Frequently tested in current affairs, GK, and essay sections.
Demonstrates India’s global role – key for descriptive answers and interviews.
Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (Zero Hunger, Climate Action).


The India-Africa Agriculture Partnership: A Game-Changer
Africa’s Agriculture Crisis
Africa’s farming sector fuels livelihoods for 65% of its workforce but faces a stark paradox:
Contributes just 15% to GDP despite being an economic backbone.
Climate disasters like droughts, erratic rains, and heatwaves have slashed productivity since 1970.
Heavy import dependence: Food imports could hit $110 billion by 2025 due to global conflicts.

Hidden Challenges:
Over 30% post-harvest losses due to poor storage and transport.
Farmers lack access to finance, tech, and market data.
COVID-19 and the Ukraine war spiked African food prices by 24% (IMF).

Flagship African Initiatives
To combat this, Africa launched transformative programs:
Feed Africa (AU): Aims to end hunger for 320 million people and unlock $100+ billion in agribusiness.
CAADP: Promotes climate-smart farming and tech innovation under Agenda 2063.
India’s Strategic Role
India partners with Africa through:
Soft loans and tech transfer:
Angola: $23M for tractors and food-processing centers.
Zimbabwe: Rural tech parks and vocational training.
Private investments:
ETG Group: $1.4M grant for women-led agribusiness in Mozambique.
ZimGold & Varun Beverages: $290M in edible oil and bottling plants, creating 500+ jobs.
Humanitarian aid:
50,000 tonnes of rice to Zimbabwe during droughts.
Tractors and equipment for Malawi and DR Congo.

Grassroots Impact:
SEWA’s women-led programs adapt Indian farming models to empower African women.
Tripartite projects with USAID/FAO boost irrigation and food security.


Sample Q&A for Exam Prep
Q: Why is India-Africa agricultural cooperation vital today?
A: Rising climate risks, food import dependency ($110B by 2025), and Africa’s youth unemployment demand joint action for sustainable farming.
Q: How did COVID-19 and the Ukraine war affect Africa?
A: They disrupted wheat/fertilizer supplies, spiking food prices by 24% in Sub-Saharan Africa (IMF).
Q: Name an AU initiative to transform African agriculture.
A: Feed Africa – part of AU’s “High-5” agenda targeting zero hunger and $100B agribusiness.
Q: How has India’s EXIM Bank supported Africa?
A: Via Lines of Credit (LoCs), e.g., $23M to Angola for farm machinery and $5M to Lesotho for equipment.
Q: What is SEWA’s role in India-Africa ties?
A: It empowers African women farmers through knowledge-sharing on climate-resilient techniques.