Para-organic intensification of future farming as alternative concept to reactor-based staple food production in Africa

Currently, staple food self-sufficiency in Africa is just above 80%, and the population is expected to more than double until 2050. To cope with this challenge, technological solutions such as reactor food seem seductive. Western pilot projects have shown considerable production potentials, e.g., 7 t ha−1 of starch within 150 days by algae in reactors that may also be used in Africa. Are these approaches suitable for Africa justifying extensive research activities? Here, we argue that both physical availability of substrates and missing profitability substantially limit the development of reactor food in SSA, also in a mid-term perspective. It is rather suggested to close the considerable existing yield gaps by implementing para-organic farming systems, which combine basic principles of organic farming such as crop diversification, legume growing, and manuring, with a reasonable use of inputs, in particular mineral fertilizers. In combination with irrigation, staple food production in SSA has the potential to keep pace with growing demand.