Why it's wrong
Frequently used to describe hunger across large regions of Africa, often implying systemic failure in food production. The term can obscure the real drivers — conflict, climate shocks, price volatility, or supply chain disruptions — rather than a lack of food overall.
What's actually true
Food insecurity in Africa is not the same as an absence of food production. Ethiopia has significantly increased wheat production, with output estimated at around 7 million metric tonnes for 2025/26. The challenge is often not whether food is grown, but whether people can afford it, access it, store it, or withstand shocks.
Don't say · Say instead
Don't say
“Africa is suffering from food insecurity.”
Say instead
“Many communities in Malawi are facing food systems pressures due to poor distribution systems.”
Shorthand: Food systems pressures (explain the specific driver)