Nairobi, 22 November, 2002: More than one hundred Journalists from twenty English-speaking African countries resolved to form the Network of African Journalists on Food Security (NAJFS) to highlight the need for the continent to be able to feed itself. The Network was formed at the end of a two-day workshop on Food Security and Sustainable Development held at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya, from 21-22 November 2002.

According to the Journalists in their resolution, “Africa today is faced with multifaceted developmental and social problems with food insecurity, famine and HIV/AIDS posing serious threats to millions of lives”.

They stated that it was their moral, professional and social responsibility to address these prevailing problems, focusing on how they can use their communication and advocacy skills to alleviate the problem.

They stated that there was serious lack of information in the areas of adequate policy formulation and their implementation, as well as on the issue of biotechnology, especially Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). They acknowledged the important role of biotechnology and its potential and limitations in addressing the food insecurity situation in Africa and called for more information on GMOs to enable African countries to make informed decisions

They noted that the issue of food security is pivotal to the realization of the goals of poverty reduction and better living conditions in cities and villages.

The Journalists resolved to play a more active role in highlighting the problems of food insecurity and sustainable development at national and regional levels, and called on policy makers, parliamentarians and Journalists to come together at a joint forum to forge strategies for confronting food security issues.

While noting that the bulk of food consumed in Africa is produced in the rural areas and by rural women who do not own the land they farm, the Journalists called for more active and visible participation of women at food security workshops and for the removal of barriers that make it difficult for women to own land.

The Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, declared the workshop open; while the Chairperson, COASAD International, Prof. Robert Mabele, made opening remarks.

Experts on food security issues addressed participants on various issues affecting food security and how the situation was hampering the continent’s development. UN-HABITAT also took the opportunity to inform the journalists about its activities and programmes.

For workshop declaration, please click here:

For further information, please contact: Mr. Sharad Shankardass, Spokesperson or Ms. Zahra Hassan, Press & Media Liaison, Press & Media Relations Unit, Tel: (254 2) 623153/623151, Fax: (254 2) 624060, E-mail: habitat.press@unhabitat.org, Website: www.unhabitat.org