A new analysis shows that greater emphasis on smallholder farmers and local patterns of resources management, production and marketing is key to Africa's achieving food security.

“Improving smallholder productivity, however, relies on cost-effective and proven farming systems that are sustainable, and respond to the real constraints that they are facing across this diverse continent,” said Dr Dennis Garrity, United Nations Dryland Ambassador and Senior Fellow with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF).

Garrity was speaking in Sydney at the “Food Security in Africa: Bridging Research and Practise” forum on 30 November 2012.

Garrity is directing a new initiative that is analysing and interpreting resources, trends and drivers in African agriculture to better inform policy, research and funding. The initiative is funded by the Australian International Food Security Centre.

The forum in Sydney brought together African Agriculture ministers, administrators, researchers, policy makers and extensionists, together with their Australian counterparts. Many issues related to food security in Africa and the role that Australia can play were discussed at the event, which was opened by Australian Senator the Hon Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Read full media release Dennis's talk: Dr Dennis Garrity, UN Drylands Ambassador – "Go Local to Impact African Food Security"

Please see conference website for further information.