Food Safety Emergency Response in Africa: Institutional and Contextual Analyses from Eight Countries
Abstract:
Foodborne diseases remain a public health and socioeconomic development
challenge in Africa, where fragmented systems limit preparedness and response.
This study examined the institutional and contextual dimensions of food safety
emergency preparedness and response across eight African countries: Nigeria,
Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Cameroon, and South Africa. A
mixed-methods design was used, combining structured questionnaires and key
informant interviews with stakeholders from regulatory agencies, public health
institutions, academia, food businesses, development partners, and the general
public. Thematic analysis, supported by a triangulation of survey findings,
interviews, and a regional desk review, enabled cross country comparison of
system functionality. Benchmarking was conducted against three major frameworks:
FAO/WHO Food Safety Emergency Management (FSEM), the WHO Joint External Evaluation
(JEE) tool, and Ghana's Food Safety Emergency Response Plan (FoSERP). Findings
revealed recurring gaps across most countries including fragmented governance,
poor coordination, under-resourced surveillance, uneven laboratory capacity,
limited training, inadequate financing, compliance and communication, and One Health
integration. Although some strengths were identified in selected countries (Ghana
and Egypt), these were insufficient to offset systemic weaknesses. The
benchmarking exercise highlighted significant gaps between existing global
guidance and operational reality. Overall, the results underscore the need for
integrated governance structures, institutionalized rapid risk assessment and
incident management processes, and sustained investment in laboratory networks,
workforce development, and proactive risk communication. Strengthening these
foundational elements is essential for building resilient and responsive food
safety emergency systems across Africa.
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