Due to misguided policies, weak institutions and failing markets, sub-Saharan Africa has millions of hungry and malnourished people. This first Africa Human Development Report 2012 seeks to look beyond direct causes of food insecurity, such as crop failure, to highlight the social and political dimensions that are inhibiting progress. It argues that policies should be focused on agricultural productivity, nutrition, resilience and empowerment to unleash a dynamic virtuous cycle leading to food security and human development.The report observes that: