Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)2023-02-222023-02-222018-09978-0-6399410-6-6http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11911/267104 pagesAfrica has the highest levels of population growth in the world, making it necessary to plan for the right food in line with the population dynamics. Meeting the food needs of the growing human population with the planet’s limited resources is a major challenge of our time. This requires the sustainable use of natural resources in the context of Africa’s low agricultural productivity, changing consumption patterns and diets, gender biases, competing interests of different stakeholders for land, and the impact of climate change. Science and evidence-based research are vital to ensuring that the right policies are in place to provide an environment conducive to achieving food and nutrition security in Africa. Young scientists should be playing a significant role in influencing policy development and providing the science-based advice to national governments. This role has not been fully harnessed.enPolicy directionsEradication of HungeFood SecurityReporthttp://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2018/0031