Food systems
Introduction
Global hunger affects around two billion people and weakens health systems, hampers economic growth and perpetuates cycles of poverty and instability.
In Africa, one in five people from hunger. Despite favourable conditions for agriculture and food production, it is estimated that Africa imports up to 65 percent of the continent’s food.
Two thirds of those living in extreme poverty are subsistence farmers. This often means low and unstable incomes for farmers and roles in the food sector value chains that are poorly compensated and insecure. In many countries, large quantities of food never reach the market but become waste, hence it is also important to address the low level of processing. At the same time, food security is exacerbated by factors such as climate change, geopolitics, war and population growth.
In the Food Systems sector, Swedfund invests to increase food production, decrease waste during production and increase sustain ability throughout the value chain. Investing in the food sector creates formal jobs, promotes economic empowerment and increases food security through increased production and improved resource and energy efficiency.
Digital solutions and business models are key enablers in this sector helping to increase availability, productivity and efficiency. When designed appropriately, investments can be climate-adapted to better respond to climate change and reduce negative impacts on bio diversity.
Areas
- Input goods
- Agriculture/primary production
- Warehousing and logistics
- Local manufacturing and processing
- Trade, distribution and sales
- Digital solutions and business models across the entire value chain
Related articles
MHP
Swedfund invests EUR 20 million in MHP SE (MHP), a leading Ukrainian producer of poultry and sunflower oil. The investment is done alongside the European Bank for Development and Reconstruction, EBRD and British International Investment, BII, securing a major contribution to safeguarding jobs and building resilience in the Ukrainian food- and agri-sectors during the ongoing war.
Robust International
Robust International (Robust) is a multi-national trader of agricultural commodities, specialising in sesame seeds and cashew nuts, sourcing primarily from East and West Africa.
AgDevCo
AgDevCo invests in small and medium-sized agribusinesses in sub-Saharan Africa. The company invests across the agricultural value chain, from primary production to logistics, ensuring sustainable practices and improved resilience.