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Food supply chains are extremely important for food access and livelihoods across Africa, but their role is often overlooked and underappreciated. Under normal conditions, the gap between myth and reality can result in the design of policies and programs with limited or negative impacts on food security and welfare. The shock of COVID‐19 has heightened this disconnect, with potentially dire consequences for food security. This paper demonstrates the importance of recognizing and accounting for the essential role of food supply chains when designing policy and interventions, particularly in response to COVID‐19, and provides recommendations for action based on current realities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of the Delphi method, the study reveals structural and technological issues on the firm level as well as national policies as most relevant barriers of food supply chains in Africa. Second-rank issues are international trade and technology transfer as well as supply chain management. Regarding national governmental policies, the expansion and upgrading of infrastructure, primarily roads, rails, harbours and communication networks, are of main concern. On a farm or firm level two priority areas may be distinguished: On the producer stage, traditionally managed small-sized farms should be opened to technological, institutional and managerial innovations, while at the food processor stage innovations regarding the pre-treatment, preservation, handling and packaging of food need to be implemented. The findings are discussed against the background of previous research and the challenges involved. Productive food supply chains providing the local, regional and export market represent major weapons for considerably reducing poverty among smallholder farmers, poverty in general and for mitigating hunger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]