Assessing the status quo of Sustainable Development Goal number 2 in Africa

The aim of the study is to examine the status quo of sustainable development goal (SDG) 2 that seeks to achieve zero hunger. The goal in an explanatory manner demands hunger to be eradicated through food security interventions, adequate nutrition-based food products and investment in agriculture to harvest sustainable food varieties. The focus of the study is SDG2 (food security) that is examined in the context of Africa (locus), exploring challenges hampering the realisation of selected development goal. The main research question considered for the study is: what are the reasons that Africa is struggling to achieve SDG2? To find answers, the study utilised a qualitative desktop analysis, and information is compiled through literature review. Various journal articles, dissertations and theses, internet sources, official documents of Statista, news reports, are considered to obtain relevant and timely information related to food security challenges in African context. The information is further analysed through document analysis and conceptual analysis. The review of literature reveals various socio-economic and environmental challenges that are affecting the effective implementation of SDG2 and hence causing food insecurity in Africa. There are various factors leading to the non-realisation of SDG2. The significant ones are environmental degradation, wars, economic meltdown, lack of employment opportunities, trade restrictions, to state a few. In the case of Africa, conflict can also be added as a factor that impacts on the political landscape, affecting the lack of implementation of government policies for economic development. Climate change's unpredictability and harsh weather patterns also threaten systems for agriculture. Income disparity exacerbates the situation. Some of the proposed solutions for these challenges include effective governance at the local, national, and international which is imperative for enhancing food security by supporting production and availability; managing food markets and distributing natural resources, and provision of protective safety nets, including financial infrastructure which can reduce risks and boost resilience for vulnerable communities experiencing food instability and famine. Despite such measures implemented across the globe, the elimination of hunger and food security remains elusive for many developing countries across the globe in general, and Africa in particular. The recommendations are offered for improvement. The study aims to develop a longitudinal and comparative study to explore the SDG2 implementation in various African countries. The data will be compiled to conduct desktop analysis of selected countries, exploring SDG2 challenges. The recommendations will focus on global best practices that African countries can consider improving the situation in the country-specific contexts.