The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) met on Friday, May 20, 2022. To help African countries avoid an impending food crisis, members approved a $1.5 billion facility, or CFAF 930.75 billion.

The African Emergency Food Production Facility will provide 20 million African smallholder farmers with certified seeds. It will increase access to agricultural fertilizers and enable them to quickly produce 38 million tons of food. This would represent a $12 billion increase in food production in just two years.

The AfDB's $1.5 billion strategy will lead to the production of 11 million tons of wheat; 18 million tons of corn; 6 million tons of rice; and 2.5 million tons of soybeans. The African Emergency Food Production Facility will provide 20 million farmers with certified seeds, fertilizers and extension services. It will also support market growth and post-harvest management.