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In Malawi, the food system remains stubbornly centered on maize, dominating both production and consumption despite clear policy ambitions for greater crop and diet diversity. While nutritionists and agronomists warn of its limited nutritional value and its vulnerability to climate change, average consumption remains high at 2.8 kg per person per week. This dependence on a single staple leaves the nation’s food security at constant risk of harvest failure.

Military and paramilitary groups exert substantial influence globally, serving as the primary power base for regimes in forty-two different nations.

Key takeawaysA state-sponsored school meal program is boosting enrollment and attendance in Zamfara, giving children a strong incentive to come to school.School meals support communities, creating income for local women and strengthening local food systemsScaling the program will require better infrastructure, monitoring, and consistent funding to reach more children—especially the hardest-to-reach. On a recent morning in Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria, children lined up patiently at Danturai Primary School, bowls in hand. For many of them, this was more than just a meal.

Key takeawaysAn AI image analysis system will evaluate tomato quality and quantify post‑harvest losses in Nigeria.A pilot assessment in Jos, Nigeria, collected extensive visual and other data across multiple tomato varieties to train and validate the AI model.The system will be scalable and applicable to other crops, with potential to reduce food waste, improve supply‑chain efficiency, and support smallholder farmers. Fruits and vegetables are essential to good nutrition, but in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), people often do not consume enough of them, with most falling shor

Key takeawaysCrop insurance can help smallholder farmers in Africa and elsewhere manage climate risk and stabilize livelihoods in the face of droughts and extreme weather.Although insurance has ​evolved to become more affordable, further innovation is needed to ensure high-quality products that cover farmers’ needs.Scaling coverage requires better product design, farmer education, and links to credit and inputs and in some cases smart subsidies. As climate change impacts intensify, African economies face increasing exposure to extreme weather events.