Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet

by Hannah Ritchie

Africa will need to grow a lot more food in the coming decades. In the next 30 years, it is expected to add another billion to its population, and then another billion in the 30 years after that. Researchers estimate that the amount of land it needs for crops could almost triple by 2050 if yields do not improve. Improving crop yields – especially across sub-Saharan Africa – needs to be part of the plan. If the region achieves this – if it manages to close its ‘yield gaps’ of what is biologically and technologically feasible – then it can feed itself without losing any forest or natural habitat at all. The good news is that we know how to do this. The technologies and investments that have already worked for so many countries – from fertilisers to improved seed varieties to irrigation – will become even more important with climate change.

Why aren’t we doing it?