Food Systems as Engines of Development

Harnessing Agriculture for Local Economic Transformation in Africa
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
ISBN: 978-3-032-37907-8
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 239 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm

Reihe: Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development

Africa stands at a crossroads. With over 70% of its population engaged in agriculture, the continent holds immense potential to transform its food systems into engines of inclusive economic growth. Yet, persistent poverty, food insecurity, and structural challenges continue to hinder progress. This monograph explores how local food systems—spanning production, processing, distribution, and consumption—can drive sustainable development and create resilient communities across Africa. Drawing on multidisciplinary research and rich case studies, the authors examine the intersection of food systems and local economic development, offering actionable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners. From empowering smallholder farmers and women entrepreneurs to fostering agro-processing zones and addressing climate change, this book provides a roadmap for leveraging Africa’s agricultural strengths to achieve prosperity. Key Features: A timely analysis of food systems as catalysts for local economic development. Evidence-based strategies for job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth. Practical recommendations for policy, governance, and investment in Africa’s agri-food sector. Essential reading for academics, development professionals, and anyone committed to shaping Africa’s future, this book demonstrates that transforming food systems is not just an economic imperative—it is a pathway to resilience, equity, and sustainable progress.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Ndhlovu, Emmanuel

Tinarwo, Joseph

Fachgebiete

• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Volkswirtschaftslehre Internationale Wirtschaft Entwicklungsökonomie & Emerging Markets
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Unternehmensorganisation, Corporate Responsibility Selbstständige & Freiberufler
• Technische Wissenschaften Verfahrenstechnik | Chemieingenieurwesen | Biotechnologie Lebensmitteltechnologie und Getränketechnologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziologie Allgemein
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Volkswirtschaftslehre Volkswirtschaftslehre Allgemein
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft | Kulturwissenschaften Kulturwissenschaften: Ernährung & Gesellschaft

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 01. Introduction: State of Food Systems and Local Economic Development in Africa.- Chapter 02. Local Economic Development: Linking Theory and Practice in African Food Systems.- Chapter 03. Conceptual Overview and the State of Food Systems in Africa.- Chapter 04. Food Systems and Prospects for Job Creation in Africa.- Chapter 05. Food Systems, Small Businesses, and Entrepreneurship in Africa.- 
Chapter 06. Agri-food Systems and the Prospects for Agro-processing Zones in Africa.- Chapter 07. Financing the food systems for local economic development in Africa.- Chapter 08. Food Systems and Prospects for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Rural Africa.- Chapter 09. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Local Economic Development in Africa’s Food Systems.- Chapter 10. Reproposing Food Systems Governance to Achieve Local Economic Development in Africa.- Chapter 11. Food System Policy and Governance for Local Economic Development in Africa.- Chapter 12. Conclusion: Toward African Food Systems Transformation for Local Economic Development.

Über Autor(innen)

Emmanuel Ndhlovu is a Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in Development Studies (2021), an M.A. (Cum Laude, 2017), and a B.A. Honours (2013) from the University of South Africa, as well as a B.A. Honours in English Studies (2008) from the University of Zimbabwe. His research spans agrarian political economy, food systems, food security, land reform, agriculture and agribusiness, and social policy. Emmanuel is a prolific scholar with numerous publications and has edited more than ten academic books. His recent authored works include Agriculture, Autonomous Development, and Prospects for Industrialisation in Africa and Social Policy in Southern Africa: Prospects and Possibilities. Prior to his current role, he served as a Research Fellow at the Vaal University of Technology, South Africa.

Joseph Tinarwo is a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Johannesburg and also holds a Master’s and an Honours degree from the University of Zimbabwe. His research focuses on food security and local economic development, and he has published widely in these areas. Joseph’s work contributes to advancing knowledge on sustainable development strategies within African contexts.