UN General Assembly
2008

The theme for this general debate, “The impact of the global food crisis on poverty and hunger in the world as well as the need to democratize the United Nations”, is important and timely. Africa has a disproportionate share of the world’s poor and hungry, and the need for urgent and concerted action is compelling. The rising cost of food has had a negative impact on our resources and poses a threat to our national stability and the stability of other countries in West Africa. It is vital that Africa increase food productivity and achieve food self-sufficiency. African farmers need to adopt higher-yielding land practices, with increased use of seeds, fertilizers and irrigation. In that connection, we welcome the work of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, chaired by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The Alliance recognizes that massive investment in agriculture is the key to a long-term solution to the continent’s food crisis. That will enable Africans to grow enough of their own food and become less dependent on handouts from donors. Sierra Leone, like many other countries