To feed its own population on the continent that could grow 2.5 times by 2050, we need more efficient use of available arable land, develop irrigation system to increase the number of crops and increase productivity by attracting investment, scientists say.

The study addressed ten countries, which together have 54% of the total population in sub-Saharan Africa and 58% of arable land. It was found that the yield of grain in most of the countries are growing slower than population and demand, while the sowing area increased by 14% over the past 10 years. In addition, the reduction of the gap between current yields and potential (which in Africa is very large) is not enough to only due to him to feed the growing population of Africa.

More than half of the increase in world population in the period up to 2050г., according to UN projections, will happen in Africa.

"If the intensification is not successful, while a massive expansion of arable land should be avoided, countries in Africa South of the Sahara will increasingly depend on cereal imports than today," — predicts Kindie Tesfaye.