Food insecurity rising across Africa: United Nations 

According to UN Food and Agriculture's top official, Africa is home to nearly 224 million under-nourished people.

FAO's assistant director-general for Africa, Bukar Tijani, noted climate change and conflicts to heighten food insecurity across the continent. Conflicts in countries like Somalia, South Sudan and the Central African Republic have also increased food insecurity in the region.

Tijani spoke at a conference on Africa organised by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He further noted that the situation in the continent was a "cause of concern".

Add WION as a Preferred Source

"Under-nourishment appears to have increased from about 21 percent to nearly 23 percent between 2015 and 2016," Tijani noted.

"Over the same period, the number of under-nourished rose from 200 million to 224 million in Africa. This is a cause of concern for all of us."

UN officials have previously warned against growing food insecurity in the region. According to the international body, food insecurity is now displacing more and more people across the continent.

Many African countries -- like South Sudan -- struggle for proper food. Proper nutrition is also one of the main issues in some African countries.

Tijani noted Africa's economy to have improved, its food and agriculture market was estimated to reach one trillion dollars by 2030.

The ongoing five-day conference in Sudan's capital will witness hundreds of delegates from across the continent. These delegates will discuss ways to eradicate hunger and food insecurity in Africa.

(With inputs from AFP)