The Corporate Capture of African Food Systems and the Hunger for Justice

25 Apr 2023. Virtual Film Screening and Panel Discussion: The Corporate Capture of African Food Systems and the Hunger for Justice 

Rich Appetites film series, co-produced by AGRA Watch and the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, followed by a discussion with food sovereignty activists in Africa. 

Reflecting on takeaways and connections from the films, panelists discussed the struggle between corporations and grassroots civil society movements over the future of African food systems. The panelists, some of whom are featured in the films, were: 

• Mariam Mayet, African Centre for Biodiversity, South Africa 
• Frances Davies, Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity 
• Mamadou Goïta, Institute for Research and Promotion of Alternatives in Development (IRPAD), Mali 

As the Rich Appetites series shows, billionaire philanthropists, corporations, and external institutions have increasingly pressured African governments and regional bodies, like the African Union, to adopt agricultural policies and frameworks that privilege big business. 

At the same time, small-scale food producers, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements across the continent are pushing for agroecology, food sovereignty, and policies that respond to the needs and desires of ordinary people. Panelists illuminated how different national governments and regional institutions have navigated these opposing forces, and what can be done to ensure self-determination in African agricultural systems.

• Watch and share the Rich Appetites short film series
• Watch and share the video of the in-person Seattle screening of Rich Appetites featuring Kirubel Tadele (AFSA), Derrick McDonald (Black Star Farmers) and Ashley Fent (AGRA Watch)
• Subscribe to CAGJ's YouTube channel