The rapid growth of African cities means they have a great challenge in ensuring an adequate supply of food to satisfy their nutritional needs in terms of quantity, variety and taste, at accessible/affordable prices. Food supply and distribution systems (FSDS), whether formal or informal, are a key element. An efficient FSDS can increase the availability of food to the urban consumer, and at the same time increase the revenues of both traders and producers. However, there are a number of constraints that impede the efficiency of FSDS and these are discussed in the papers in this Bulletin that address the whole issue of food supply and food security. They are addressed towards urban managers and planners together with professionals and researchers concerned with urban food security.