The African continent is facing an escalating food crisis, but the food crisis trap that threatens the African continent is not only the effect of the lack of investment in the agricultural sector, but also a product of its vulnerability to climate. Over recent decades, Africa experienced growing environmental degradation such as deforestation, desertification, declining soil productivity, loss of biodiversity and depletion of freshwater.

Combined with the rapid increase in the price of the main agricultural commodities Africa is facing a parallel increase in the price of energy. Africa, however, has enormous potential for energy production, particularly hydropower, which will have to be exploited in the face of a growing economy that is placing increasing stress on water resources, and is generating further energy needs.