Eight African countries have been ranked among the 50 most food self-sufficient nations in the world, according to a new study published in Nature Food in May 2025.
The study, titled Gap between national food production and food-based dietary guidance highlights lack of national self-sufficiency, analyzed food production in 186 countries and compared it to recommended dietary guidelines across seven key food groups: fruit, vegetables, legumes, starchy staples, meat, fish, and dairy.
Out of all the countries reviewed, only Guyana achieved full self-sufficiency across all seven food categories.
Researchers noted that most countries struggle to produce enough of certain foods to meet their populations’ nutritional needs.
For instance, many European nations lag behind in fruit and vegetable production, while several Asian countries fall short on dairy.
Despite these global challenges, eight African countries, including politically unstable Mali and Niger, made it into the top 50, a sign of the enduring strength of small-scale and subsistence agriculture across parts of the continent.
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Cameroon and Senegal also performed strongly, driven by domestic production of legumes, fish, and starchy staples like cassava and maize.
South Sudan, Malawi, Tunisia, and Morocco were the other African countries on the list.
The study found that scores below 100% indicate a country must import that food group, while scores above 100% suggest a production surplus that could be exported.
Among the African countries ranked:
— Mali recorded 107% in fruit, 236% in starchy staples, and 69% in dairy.
— Niger had 29% in fruit, 142% in staples, and exceeded its dairy needs at 101%.
— Cameroon posted 296% for fruit and 193% for staples but only 15% for dairy.
— Senegal had 23% in fruit, 82% in staples, and 20% in dairy.
— South Sudan stood out with 61% in fruit, 107% in staples, and a remarkable 303% in dairy.
— Tunisia produced 188% of its fruit needs, 18% in staples, and 170% in dairy.
— Malawi showed 243% in fruit, 221% in staples, and 17% in dairy.
— Morocco’s scores were 161% in fruit, 22% in staples, and 65% in dairy.
While most African countries still rely on imports for dairy and meat, they tend to perform better in crop-based categories, particularly legumes and starchy staples.
However, the study warned that many of these gains are under threat from climate change, poor storage systems, and limited investment in irrigation and agricultural technology.
Even nations with strong farming potential often fail to consistently meet national dietary needs due to inefficiencies in their food systems.
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Image Credit: Agri Ghana Online
