Engaging Research and Innovation to Build Digital and Climate-Resilient Agri-Food Systems

 

By: Irene Annor-Frempong,  Aggrey Agumya & Benjamin Abugri

The African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Research and Innovation Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) is making significant strides in building digital and climate-resilient agri-food systems. This initiative, under CAADP’s (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme) Sub-theme 3, emphasizes the need for research and innovation to foster sustainable agriculture and food security across Africa.

Achievements and Lessons from the AU-EU FNSSA Partnership

The achievements of the AU-EU partnership on FNSSA from 2016 to date highlight the impact of international cooperation on agricultural development. With over 1 billion Euros mobilized and invested in line with the AU-EU FNSSA Roadmap (2016-2026), more than 500 projects have been implemented across four thematic areas. These areas align with the CAADP Malabo priority themes, as outlined in the Science Agenda for Agriculture in Africa (S3A).

The four thematic areas are:

• Sustainable Intensification
• Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition
• Expansion and Improvement of Agricultural Markets and Trade
• Crosscutting Issues, including improved coordination between European and African FNSSA R&I projects. 

Through these projects, the AU-EU partnership has delivered tangible benefits to farmers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and research and innovation institutions across Africa. Additionally, the partnership has strengthened science-policy linkages and enhanced institutional and individual capacities within participating regions.

Key Challenges and Proposed Solutions

While the partnership has achieved significant success, certain gaps remain, particularly in the areas of coordination and leveraging resources. Over the past eight years, stakeholders identified two critical levers for enhancing the impact of international cooperation: the partnership model and the financing model. Addressing these areas will further streamline the implementation of the CAADP Agenda and amplify the benefits of research and innovation for sustainable agriculture.

Two solutions were proposed to harness international cooperation for the implementation of CAADP:

• Developing a strategy for leveraging international cooperation
• Coordinating cooperation programs like the AU-EU FNSSA partnership to show its contribution on the implementation of CAADP

Read full article HERE... 

Productivity effects of agroecological practices in Africa: insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis

 

Miriam E. Romero Antonio, Amy Faye, Bibiana Betancur-Corredor, Heike Baumüller & Joachim von Braun have published a first comprehensive analysis on "Productivity effects of agroecological practices in Africa: insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis".

Scholars have proposed agroecology as a promising method for promoting sustainable and socially just agricultural production systems. However, the extent to which agroecological practices will generate the yields required to ensure sufficient food globally remains unclear. This notion is particularly true in the context of Africa, where agricultural productivity is low but levels of hunger and malnutrition are high. To address this knowledge gap, this article undertakes a systematic review of empirical studies to assess the overall status of agroecology-related research in Africa. Using descriptive and meta-analytical methods, we evaluate empirical evidence on the effect of agroecological practices on land and labour productivity.

The meta-analysis indicates that agroecological practices are associated with a positive and significant difference in land productivity, compared to that for monocrop systems especially so when monocrops are grown without inputs. However, the size and direction of yield differs by practice, crop, climatic factor, soil property and type of control.

Read the full article HERE

Request for Proposals: Grand Challenges Nigeria

18 November 2024. State House, Abuja. Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) : Official Launch & Request for Proposals (RFP) Announcement.

The Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Kashim Shettima, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) launched the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) and the first Request for Proposals towards funding. This announcement was made in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), FHI360, Dalberg Global Development Advisory, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation. These government, non-
governmental, industry and private sector partnerships ensure that GCNg aligns with national priorities and builds on Nigeria's existing capabilities in science and innovation.

Nigeria is seventh African country to join the Grand Challenges family — after Botswana, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa.

• The GCNg Project is a vehicle to fund and advance impactful research and innovations in health, food security and development while building capacity for locally developed innovation solutions. Implemented by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), GCNg aims to integrate innovative solutions into the fabric of Nigeria’s national strategy to address critical health and development issues.
• Starting in 2010, partners in many countries began to establish Grand Challenges initiatives – including in Brazil, India, South Africa and a pan-African programme, among many others
• the GC Network seeks to intentionally build and strengthen communities of innovation funders, and support and connect grantees to a global network that boosts their potential. 
• 
  Grand Challenges also offers a model that other funders and governments - particularly those in low-middle-income countries can use to dedicate more resources to scientific discovery and innovation in health and development. 
• This approach fosters scientific collaboration at local, regional, and global levels, supporting an ecosystem of interconnected researchers and innovators.

Resource shared by Dr. Moses Alobo, Head of programmes at Science for Africa Foundation
Research priorities in maternal and neonatal health in Africa: results using the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method involving over 900 experts across the continent

Grand Challenges Nigeria l funding call for maternal & and child health

• This Request for Proposals (RFP)  will provide seed grant funding up to Nigerian Naira 60 million per grant (360,000 USD) for a 12 to 15-month project implementation period. 
• Deadline: 31st Jan 2025
  March 2025 Proposal Review completed
  April 30, 2025 Selection Award Announcement
  May 30, 2025 Due Diligence and Contracting
• GCNg seeks to identify and support innovative, scalable ideas and interventions that leverage local contexts to address critical challenges in maternal, newborn, and child health, ultimately prioritizing human health and development. 
• The final grant amount awarded will be determined based on the specific needs, scope, and proposed budget of the project. 
• Applicants are encouraged to submit realistic budget proposals that reflect the actual costs required to achieve their project goals. A maximum of ten (10) projects will be funded.

“At the heart of this project is our commitment to ensuring that the solutions we develop are inclusive and equitable, bringing together public and private sectors, academia, community stakeholders, and other key players. We look forward to working closely with the community of Grand Challenges national programs in Africa including GC South Africa, GC Rwanda, GC Ethiopia, the pan-Africa GC program, and other GC programs around the world to support our community of grantees and accelerate scientific progress,” Professor Salisu Maiwada Abubakar, FNSN, President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria

“We recognise that incremental change is not enough; Nigeria requires transformative, science-driven solutions capable of achieving meaningful impact at scale. We aim to create opportunities for locally grounded, multidisciplinary solutions, ensuring that investments not only address critical gaps but also build upon and amplify the successes of ongoing initiatives,” Professor Folake Samuel PhD (Ib), FNSN, FPMA-UK, Program Director and Technical Lead, Grand Challenges Nigeria. University of Ibadan · Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics

2nd APPSA Scientific Conference - January 15 - 17, 2025 - Lesotho

 

The CCARDESA Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition of Lesotho, is delighted to invite you to the 2nd APPSA Scientific Conference, taking place from 15-17 January 2025, in Maseru, Lesotho.

This prestigious event will feature distinguished experts, including Prof. Cliff Sibusiso Dlamini, CCARDESA Executive Director and Head of Mission. Join Prof. Dlamini and other renowned leaders in agricultural research and development as we explore innovative strategies for enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate change and global challenges.

By participating, you will have the opportunity to:

• Engage with leading scientists and practitioners.
• Share and learn about best practices and research findings.
• Collaborate on solutions to improve food security and agricultural sustainability.

Find out MORE and REGISTER HERE to be part of this impactful gathering and contribute to shaping the future of agriculture in our region.

Africa Regional Launch of IFPRI’s 2024 Global Food Policy Report

14 November 2024. Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition: Africa Regional Launch of IFPRI’s 2024 Global Food Policy ReportIn collaboration with University of Nairobi and part of the CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies (NPS) Seminar Series.

IFPRI’s 2024 Global Food Policy Report on Food Systems for Healthy Diets, presents evidence-based policy and governance solutions to strengthen diet quality and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries, and examines priorities for future research on food systems for better nutrition. Reflecting on a long history of research on diets, agriculture and food systems by IFPRI and the CGIAR, in partnership with many around the world, the report emphasizes the critical need to focus our attention on diets that promote health and well-being for both people and the planet. It examines how demand- and supply-side approaches can support healthy dietary choices, how critical it is to invest in efforts to improve affordability, and to strengthen food environments in ways that can improve diets. The report also highlights ways to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, explores the role of animal-sourced foods, and discusses the role of effective governance in achieving change. Last, but not least, the report highlights critical challenges for several regions around the world – where contextually-relevant actions must come together to deliver impact.

Following opening remarks and presentations of the report’s key findings and recommendations by IFPRI’s researchers, a distinguished panel of partners and experts discussed the report. Expert remarks focused on challenges and opportunities to transform food systems so that everyone everywhere can reap the benefits of sustainable healthy diets. This was followed by a question-and-answer session .

• Moderator and Welcome Remarks Sally Kimathi, Research Officer, IFPRI
• Opening Remarks Jonathan Nzuma, Chairman, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi
• Moses Nyangito, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi

Selected Findings from the 2024 GFPR 

• Clemens Breisinger, Lead, CGIAR Initiative on National Policies and Strategies and Country Program Leader, Kenya, IFPRI
• Oliver Kiptoo Kirui, Research Fellow, Development Strategies and Governance, IFPRI

Panel Reflections

• Rose Nyikal, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi
• Zachary Kinyua, Assistant Director, Crop Health Research, Crops, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
• Boniface Munene, Vice Executive Director, 254 Youth Policy Café
• Celine Termote, Senior Scientist, Food Environment & Consumer Behavior, Alliance Bioversity-CIAT

Closing Reflections 

• Hailemariam Ayalew Tiruneh, Research Fellow, Development Strategies and Governance, IFPRI
• Jonathan Nzuma, Chairman, Department of Agricultural Economics

 

ADAF 2024: The Gamaal dynamic homecooked food app

ADAF 2024: Spotlight on The Gamaal dynamic homecooked food app  - presented 8 November 2024 at the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum

Gamaal - The journey to empowering the Communities

GAMAAL is a dynamic homecooked food app dedicated to connecting cultures through the universal language of food. Gamaal is a Social entrepreneur. The Gamaal App connects talented home cooks with food lovers who long for healthy authentic, home-cooked meals.

The Gamaal App developed in the UK connects talented home cooks with food lovers who long for healthy authentic, home-cooked meals. 

This app can promote the consumption of forgotten foods in the Global South by showcasing traditional, nutrient-rich ingredients that have fallen out of favor. By featuring these foods in their recipes, cooks – overwhelmingly women - can educate users on the historical and health benefits of indigenous crops like millet, amaranth, and native legumes. 

This increased visibility can spark renewed interest and demand for these crops, encouraging local farmers to grow them, which also enhances agricultural biodiversity. 

Furthermore, by offering healthier, culturally authentic meal options, the app can promote dietary alternatives that may improve health outcomes among the urban youth accustomed to more processed foods.

The app also supports the preservation of culinary heritage by documenting and sharing traditional recipes and food stories, making it a valuable resource for cultural preservation. 

Additionally, it could help bolster local economies by creating demand for ingredients grown by small farmers, who often use sustainable methods. 

Features like recipe tagging for heritage ingredients, educational content, and social sharing could transform the app into a network for food advocacy, highlighting the environmental and social benefits of forgotten foods. 

Through these efforts, the app can help reconnect users with their culinary heritage while supporting sustainable food systems in the Global South.

When women’s incomes rise, they tend to invest more in the nutrition, education, and health of their family, causing a ripple effect that can benefit entire communities in their long-term economic growth.

Gamaal’s Progress

The founder, Fatoumata Diallo of African descent, saw a gap in modern city life where people were losing touch with traditional flavours and the cultural connections that come with them. She was driven to bridge that gap, and she founded Gamaal in February, 2023. This is not just a food tech business but a platform for culinary enthusiasts to revive thousands of lost recipes and share their talents with the communities to earn income. The foodies too nourish their bodies.

"This year, Gamaal made a significant step forward with our official launch in Camden on 8th June, 2024. The event was graced by the Mayor of Camden, Rt. Clr. Samatha Khatoon, who not only celebrated our mission but pledged her support to help us empower local culinary talents. This support strengthens our commitment to bring traditional recipes back into modern kitchens and communities. We were also honoured to cater for the luncheon for the World Summit on Women and Girls, celebrating the United Nations International Day of the Girl World Day in London. Being chosen for such a meaningful event showcased the trust in our brand’s quality and our alignment with values of community, empowerment, and sustainability.Gamaal is on a mission to empower communities through reviving, cooking and eating authentic healthy home-cooked meals with traditional recipes. We will empower millions of culinary enthusiasts and revive thousands of lost traditional recipes worldwide."

ADAF 2024: Spotlight on Hordesia

ADAF 2024: Spotlight on Hordesia- presented 8 November 2024 at the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum

Founded in 2005, HORDESIA originally began as a consultancy firm specializing in horticulture and plant protection in tropical environments. Through this work, the founders noticed a lack of value placed on certain neglected crops, with some even at risk of disappearing. In 2018, to address this issue and revive interest in these forgotten ingredients, HORDESIA launched a catering service called Sekayi, dedicated to introducing consumers to unique and creative recipes featuring these products.

HORDESIA aims to promote forgotten or lesser-known ingredients through innovative, original recipes, offering consumers new culinary experiences. With a constant focus on research and development, the founders strive to create high-quality products by transforming sustainably produced raw materials.

HORDESIA’s catering service, Sekayi, offers a variety of unique products that bring the flavors of the DRC to Belgium. Their main offerings include Sauce Mbika (pumpkin seed sauce), Mbika and  vegetable patties, red currant coulis, and baobab powder. These products cater primarily to niche markets in Belgium and neighboring countries, with the aim of showcasing the culinary diversity of the DRC. The company operates within a niche market, introducing customers to rare ingredients and fusion cuisine.

HORDESIA collaborates with the AES, a non-governmental organisation, based in the Lomami Province of the DRC. This partnership focuses on the conservation of endangered plants by multiplying species and promoting sustainable transformation and preservation techniques. AES plays a critical role in ensuring that the company’s efforts are aligned with local needs and support the broader goal of protecting and promoting local biodiversity.

HORDESIA plans to expand their activities by developing similar operations in the DRC. They also aim to increase the distribution of their products to larger retail outlets in Belgium, thereby growing their market and reaching a broader audience with their unique offerings.

CONTACT

Mukadi Mujinga Marie and Delhove Gilles

Rue du Bois, N° 11, 7090 Hennuyères, Belgium

sekayi@outlook.be   |   www.traiteur-sekayi.be

ADAF 2024: Spotlight on Glim Africa

ADAF 2024: Spotlight on Glim Africa - presented 8 November 2024 at the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum

Founded in 2020 in France and 2021 in Cameroon, Glim Africa was created to provide local alternatives to the massive imports of wheat and rice in Cameroon and across Africa. Glim Africa focused on promoting local agriculture by developing products from indigenous crops such as cowpea (niébé), recognized by WWF as one of the 50 foods of the future.

Winner of Meet Africa 2 (Cameroon), Laureate of AgroParisTech Foundation, Winner of the African
Diaspora Forum.

In Cameroon, Glim Africa promotes the consumption of niébé (cowpea) to diversify diets, creating new market opportunities and improving nutrition. By partnering with local producers, Glim Africa encourages sustainable agricultural practices, reduce reliance on imports, and foster economic growth. Its efforts create jobs across the value chain, from farming to processing, contributing to the resilience of local communities and supporting environmentally friendly production methods.

Glim Africa  specializes in the production of cowpea-based products, including cowpea flour, cowpea porridge, and fine and medium cowpea couscous. These products cater to both local and international markets. Locally, the company operates in Cameroon, primarily in Douala and Yaoundé, while internationally, the focus is on the Île-de-France region in France. Glim Africa is a pioneering company in this market, offering innovative, nutritious food products and promoting their use as alternatives to common imported goods.

"Highlighting the potential of African agricultural resources is my vocation. We source from farmers in the Far North region of Cameroon, a fertile land for cowpeas. It is a food crop; those who harvest it consume the seeds. We carry out the entire processing process in our workshop located in Douala, following strict hygiene and control standards."  Annie ADIOGO, founder of Glim Africa 

Committed to her mission since 2017, Annie ADIOGO food innovation expert, is a graduate of AgroParisTech and Ferrandi Paris. She began her activity in France before setting up a production workshop in Cameroon. In her home country, she also teaches and supervises students in their projects to promote local products.

Cowpea - the seed with super powers

Nicknamed the magic bean of Africa and ranked among the 50 foods of the future by the WWF, cowpea is a basic ingredient in Afro-ancestral cuisines and Soul Food. It is naturally gluten-free and contains twice as much protein as traditional cereals (wheat, corn, rice). Its production requires little water and promotes crop rotations thanks to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.

CONTACT

Annie Estelle Adiogo | BP 11 162 Douala, Cameroon
annie.adiogo@glimafrica.com | www.glimafrica.com

ADAF 2024: Spotlight on Virunga origins

ADAF 2024: Spotlight on Virunga origins - presented 8 November 2024 at the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum

Virunga Origins is a social enterprise located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its mission is to produce delicious, superior quality goods and create lasting societal change through sustainable agriculture, working practices, training, and employment opportunities. As part of the larger Virunga National Park family, Virunga Origins also helps to conserve rainforests, biodiversity, and endangered species, such as mountain gorillas, through sales of its locally produced chocolate and other delicacies.

As a social enterprise, Virunga Origins manufactures products locally where the bean grows. This goes for its other products too, like chia seeds, coffee and vanilla. Virunga Origins help families to generate more income, which enables them to send more kids to school. Through the use of green energy, its production process has little environmental impact, and through our traceability process, we ensure our farmers are treated fairly.

Virunga Origins factories are based on the outskirts of Virunga National Park in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.

A CHOCOLATE MASTER IN THE MAKING

Originally From Lubero, North Kivu, Roger MUHINDO MARORA studied chemistry and agricultural industries at UNIGOM University in Goma. Roger's fascination with cocoa began in childhood, marveling at the transformation of cocoa into exquisite chocolate right outside his home. His self-taught chocolate-making skills, fostered through online resources, marked the beginning of an extraordinary path. During the challenging times of the 2019 Ebola epidemic in DRC, Roger's commitment to community health led him to Médecins Sans Frontières in Butembo. It was here that he discovered the Mutwanga chocolate factory.

Eager to contribute, Roger journeyed from Goma to Butembo, by his own means, to attend the factory’s launch. His tenacity paid off, and he began as a trainee under the guidance of Dominique and other experts. With his incredible motivation and energy, Roger quickly took the lead of the team to become the production manager of the factory, honing his skills and emerging as a true Congolese master chocolatier.

EXPERT BELGIUM CHOCOLATIER

Dominique PERSOONE has trained the Virunga Origins team in the fine art of chocolate making with his singular focus on quality and taste. When it comes to flavours, textures and attitude, Dominique has a reputation of thinking outside the chocolate box. For a passionate chocolatier like Dominique, making chocolate where cacao actually grows is a dream come true. With Virunga Origins, Dominique and the team receive the beans right off the cocoa tree before transforming them into our amazing chocolate.

 

ADAF 2024: Spotlight on Vyakulani Africa Project

Vyakulani Africa Project (June 2024 – January 2025) The aim of the project is to document African diaspora foodways in Belgium. 

Vyakulani is Swahili for “in the foods” or “which foods”, which embodies our intention to explore and celebrate the rich and diverse food traditions of the African diasporas.

There is increasing interest in consuming nutritious plant-based diets in Europe. However, the consumption and trade of nutritious African foods, has not gained as much acceptance as it should in the public domain, in view of the historical link between both continents. 

Interest in nutritious plant-based diets is on the rise, yet African foods have not gained the recognition they deserve in Europe despite efforts to promote fair-trade food systems. For African diasporas in Europe, cooking with traditional ingredients remains a key part of their identity and heritage. However, the influence of Western lifestyles and biases against African food often echo colonial attitudes, limiting the acceptance and awareness of nutritious African foods like millet, fonio, and sorghum.

While other exotic dishes like kimchi, lemongrass, and quinoa are widely accepted, African superfoods and the role of African agrofood entrepreneurship in biodiversity conservation are not well-known. The project aims to:

1. Highlight the importance and potential of African food systems.
2. Encourage Africans in Europe to reconnect with their culinary traditions.
3. Promote healthy African foods to the wider public.

Among the African diasporas in Europe the desire to cook home foods with indigenous ingredients persists. Within families, food is one of the strong identity markers. Thus, the sustainability of home recipes and diets, including their transmission across generations and potential benefits for larger society (European citizens) need further exploration.

Links 

• https://www.thefoodbridge.org/
• Facebook EN: https://www.facebook.com/thefoodbridgevzw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8rq6hsoQKJ/
• Vyakulani Citizen Scientists guide # 9 pp. : This document explains all you need to know, to effectively participate as a citizen scientist in the Vyakulani Africa Project

The fifth edition of the Global Access to Nutrition Index

ATNI (2024) The fifth edition of the Global Access to Nutrition Index # 81 pp.

This report assesses 30 of the world’s largest food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers – 23% of the global F&B market – on their performance to improve access to nutritious foods. The Index presents companies’ relative progress across a range of nutrition-related topics, areas for improvement, and offers a roadmap for change.

This is the fifth Global Access to Nutrition Index. It assesses how the world’s largest food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers are contributing to addressing malnutrition in all its forms. The world faces more challenges than at any point in recent memory. Since 2021, the obesity epidemic has accelerated, with a concurrent slowing of progress in addressing undernutrition. The food sector – particularly the modern food retail segment – is growing. This growth is fastest in emerging markets, with processed foods becoming more available.

• Read the executive summary here
• Read the full report here
• Read the foreword here

Key questions include:

• What does ‘good’ look like for a company? 
• What 2030 targets should companies aim for in terms of responsible marketing and portfolio healthiness?
• Is there a difference between the healthiness of food products available in high income markets versus emerging markets?
• Are any companies making healthy foods core to their business strategies?
• What policies are shaping healthier markets, especially in emerging markets?
• How can responsible investors use this Global Index to exert influence in driving better nutrition practices?
• What perverse market incentives need to be addressed through policy?

Policy Innovations to Advance Africa's Food Processing Sector

1 November 2024. Africa balances policy needs with food processing growth

Opportunities ramp up in the continent’s food processing industry, yet a lack of policy progression threatens to stall progress.

Local entrepreneurs are increasingly entering value-added processing, creating products that cater to both local tastes and international markets. There has also been a notable rise in innovative products using local foods, appealing to niche markets and shifting Africa from a raw commodity net exporter to a value-added foods producer.

“This progress positions African food processors as key players in driving both economic growth and food security across the continent,” Vivian Maduekeh, programme director, Partners in Food Solutions. For the past 16 years, Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) has been working with over 2,000 food processors in over 12 countries.

This article refers to the 

Malabo Montpellier Panel  (2024) VALUE-UP: Policy Innovations to Advance Africa's Food Processing Sector for Growth, Jobs, and Health. # 92 pp.

The increased demand for processed foods provides an opportunity for Africa's food processing sector to
grow and contribute to economic growth; however, the continent remains a net and growing importer of processed foods. Africa now has an opportunity to benefit from its growing urban markets and accelerate its transition from primarily producing and exporting raw agricultural commodities by increasing production in its growing food processing sector, The Malabo Montpellier Panel report finds.

• In the face of demographic shifts and evolving food preferences, Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its agricultural and economic evolution. The past few decades have seen remarkable strides in agricultural productivity across the continent and food systems transformation. Traditional home based and local food processing has declined and opportunities of expansion of food processing industries are growing in the continent. 
• The dynamic interplay between population growth, rapid urbanization, rising incomes, women’s roles in the labor markets, as well as changes in dietary patterns presents both a challenge and unique opportunity for Africa. 
• The dietary shift among urban and rural populations towards processed foods, uniquely positions the continent to leverage these trends for economic development but also include challenges for nutrition quality. The expansion of Africa’s food processing sector offers a strategic path to reduce dependency on imported processed food products and enhance the region’s food system development. 
• This report by the — VALUE-UP: Policy innovations to advance Africa’s food processing sector for growth, jobs, and health— reviews the current situation in Africa and draws lessons from African countries: Ghana, Kenya and Senegal. It focuses on their policy and institutional innovations, as well as programmatic interventions to transform food systems and enhance economic development. The report delves into the various opportunities and challenges faced by food processors in Africa and provided valuable insights and actionable recommendations for stakeholders committed to advancing the continent’s food processing industry.

Resources

• KENYA CASE STUDY VALUE-UP: Policy Innovations to Advance Africa's Food Processing Sector for Growth, Jobs, and Health
• GHANA CASE STUDY VALUE-UP: Policy Innovations to Advance Africa's Food Processing Sector for Growth, Jobs, and Health
• SENEGAL CASE STUDY VALUE-UP: Policy Innovations to Advance Africa's Food Processing Sector for Growth, Jobs, and Health
• VALUE-UP: Policy Innovations to Advance Africa's Food Processing Sector for Growth, Jobs, and Health
• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – VALUE-UP: Policy Innovations to Advance Africa's Food Processing Sector for Growth, Jobs, and Health
• Presentation: VALUE-UP: Policy innovations to advance Africa’s food processing sector for growth, jobs, and health

Presentation Streamed live on 27 Aug 2024

Related: 

FAO and WHO (2024) What are healthy diets? 12 pp.

Healthy diets promote health, growth and development, support active lifestyles, prevent nutrient deficiencies and excesses, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, foodborne diseases and promote wellbeing. The exact make-up of a diet will vary depending on individual characteristics, preferences and beliefs, cultural context, locally available foods and dietary customs. However, the basic principles of what constitutes healthy diets remain the same. 

In this document the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have formulated principles of what constitute healthy diets, underpinned by guidelines and other normative elements developed by the two Organizations. The principles provide the basis for the design of policies aimed at improving diet and for the assessment of the healthiness of diets.

8th African Diaspora Agrofood Forum on Forgotten Foods

8 - 10 November 2024. African Diaspora Agrofood Forum (ADAF 2024)

The African Diaspora Agrofood Forum, offered a platform for African diaspora agrofood entrepreneurs, stakeholders and interested members of the public to convene, exchange ideas, explore opportunities for growth in the agrofood sector and experience African food innovations.

It is an annual event organised by the FoodBridge. The FoodBridge, a non-profit organization based in Belgium, manages several projects aimed at promoting food culture, heritage, and community support.

The FoodBridge was selected by the Global Forum for Agricultural Research (GFAiR) among the 21 applications of Expressions of Interest on Forgotten Foods.

• The purpose of this request for Expressions of Interest was to identify organizations interested in participating in a Collective Action (CA) dedicated to reviving forgotten foods, with a particular focus on their inherent nutritional value and resilience to climate change. 
• Through this initiative, the aim is to empower small scale producers as key actors in the pro-poor transformation of agri-food research and innovation systems. 
• The CA will actionable strategies designed to empower farmers to demonstrate the vast potential of their crops, advocate for their challenges and needs, and overhaul research and innovation systems in favour of forgotten foods and of farmers’ traditional knowledge and governance structures.

Key highlights of the event included:

• Expert Panels and Keynote Speeches: leading experts and thought leaders on current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the African agrofood sector.
• Workshops and Training Sessions: interactive workshops designed to enhance skills and knowledge in various aspects of agrofood production, marketing, and consumption.
• 
  Networking Opportunities: Connecting with peers, professionals, investors, and policymakers to build strategic partnerships and collaborations.
  
• Exhibition: 2 days exhibition fair to taste innovative agrofood products
• Presentation of the African Diaspora agrofood entrepreneur of the year award and the annual compendium of African diaspora agrofood entrepreneurs

The ADAF 2024 partners include Sankaa vzw, European Union Global Diaspora Facility(EUDIF), ENABEL, COLEAD, EU Impetus Accelerator Program, Zidi Circle, Alefa Diaspora and others.

Policy Dialogue Panel: Facilitating Innovative Agrofood Entrepreneurship; African Diasporas and the 2030 Agenda

This panel discussed the role of the African Diaspora in driving innovative agrofood entrepreneurshipthat aligns with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

The panel was moderated by GFAiR.

Policy makers, experts and entrepreneurs discussed how to create policies that foster growth,

sustainability and opportunity in agrofood sectors across Africa and its diaspora.

• Mr. Jeremy Knops, general delegate COLEAD
• Ms. Bijou Tshiunza, founder MICRODEV
• Mr. Rashad Al-Khafaji, Director FAO Laison office to the EU & Belgium
• Mr. Marie d'Huart, CEO Virunga Origins

2024 African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneur of the year

Entrepreneurship is deeply intertwined with the migration stories of African diasporas, particularly in the agrofood sector. Over the years, many in the diaspora have harnessed their resources to launch agrofood projects, which often go unrecognized in mainstream development narratives and data. To spotlight these efforts, the African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneur of the Year award was conceived, honoring those making significant impacts in the sector.

• In 2022, this prestigious award, organized by The Food Bridge, was presented to Mr. Cyril Sanjoh, a Cameroonian entrepreneur revolutionizing the international agrifood landscape. His company, Sansusa, registered as a Common Initiative Group (CIG) in 2014, is committed to sustainable farming practices, producing a diverse range of crops and livestock.
• 
  In 2023, Mr. Alpha Diallo, founder of Africapaid, received the award for his innovative work at WELLI Farm in Senegal. His farm addresses food security challenges by focusing on fruit, vegetable, and dairy production while supporting the local community. Diallo’s approach is especially notable for his collaboration with local women, who collect farm produce on credit
  and sell it at markets, keeping 100% of the profits.
• In 2024 Ms Maimouna Kanté, founder of Maison Kanthé France, has been named the Food Bridge's 2024 African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneur of the Year. This award, presented at the African Diaspora Agrofood Forum and sponsored by Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs Belgium, celebrates African diaspora agrofood entrepreneurs who make significant community impacts and show strong potential for growth.

During the award presentation, Mr Bjorn Macauter, General Manager of Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs, highlighted the impressive social impact of the five nominees, all of whom are women. Kanthé stood out as the winner due to her business’s scalability across multiple countries.

In her acceptance speech, Kanté shared that the name of her tea brand honors her heritage (her family originates from Guinee Conakry) and Africa’s rich resources, which she aims to share with tea lovers and connoisseurs worldwide. Kanthé’s offerings include 100% African teas, infusions, and honeys sourced from premium plantations in Malawi, Mali, Rwanda, Guinea, South Africa, and Togo.

Resource: 2024 Compendium of African Diaspora Agrofood Forum

Download: in English and in French # 40 pp.

This publication aims to support and promote the growth of the African Diaspora agrofood entrepreneurship ecosystem. The 2024 African Diaspora Agrofood Entrepreneurs Compendium is produced by The Food Bridge vzw in collaboration with the European Union Global Diaspora Facility (EUDiF). This collaboration is motivated by a mutual desire to facilitate and support the African Diaspora entrepreneurial ecosystem in Europe. The Food Bridge vzw is a Belgian non-profit organisation with different agrofood and diaspora engagement projects in Belgium, Nigeria and Ghana. 

EUDiF is a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development. It strives to maximize the potential of diaspora engagement for development by generating knowledge, facilitating dialogue and providing capacity development support to diaspora organizations and partner countries.

It is featuring African diaspora agrofood

entrepreneurs based in Europe, who operate businesses in Africa, the Caribbean, or Europe. Selected entrepreneurs will be highlighted in this year's edition.

Conclusion and recommendations 

Women entrepreneurs engaged in food

processing in Africa,  in particular the African Diaspora, have unique opportunities to improve nutrition by leveraging their positions to create healthier, locally sourced, and culturally relevant food products. For example, women-led businesses can focus on processing traditional, nutrient-dense foods that are often overlooked by large-scale industrial producers, such as indigenous grains, legumes, and vegetables. These women entrepreneurs can innovate by fortifying common foods with micronutrients like iron, vitamins, and

minerals to address local nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia or vitamin A deficiency. 

Additionally, they can promote healthier alternatives to processed snacks by creating low-sugar, high-fiber, and nutrient-rich products that cater to local tastes. By using

local ingredients, women entrepreneurs can also support regional agriculture, boosting food security and encouraging sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, women-run food enterprises can serve as platforms for education, teaching communities about the benefits of nutritious eating and helping to shift consumer behavior towards healthier, more balanced diets. These efforts not only improve the nutrition of local populations but also empower women entrepreneurs to play a central role in shaping the health and economic landscape of their communities.

Highlights - See blogposts:

• Spotlight on GAMAAL: a dynamic homecooked food app dedicated to connecting cultures through the universal language of food https://gamaal.co.uk/
• Spotlight on Virunga origins: Virunga Origins is a social enterprise located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its mission is to produce delicious, superior quality goods and create lasting societal change through sustainable agriculture, working practices, training, and employment opportunities.
• Spotlight on Glim Africa: Founded in 2020 in France and 2021 in Cameroon, Glim Africa was created to provide local alternatives to the massive imports of wheat and rice in Cameroon and across Africa. Glim Africa focused on promoting local agriculture by developing products from indigenous crops such as cowpea (niébé), recognized by WWF as one of the 50 foods of the future.
• Spotlight on Hordesia: HORDESIA’s catering service, Sekayi, offers a variety of unique products that bring the flavors of the DRC to Belgium. Their main offerings include Sauce Mbika (pumpkin seed sauce), Mbika and vegetable patties, red currant coulis, and baobab powder.
• Spotlight on Vyakulani Africa Project: Vyakulani Africa Project (June 2024 – January 2025) The aim of the project is to document African diaspora foodways in Belgium.

Related:

EUDiF is pleased to invite diaspora organisations, from countries listed in the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) regulation regulation and registered in an EU member state, Switzerland or Norway, to submit a proposal for small-scale projects amounting from 25,000 to 60,000 EUR. D4D Grants aim to promote sustainable development by supporting diaspora-led initiatives in the country of origin in the areas of climate, economy, education and health. Full details on the call are available in the Guidelines for applications.

Key dates: 15 November 2024 – 15 January 2025 23:59 CET: Call open. 29 November 2024: Online info session in English with simultaneous interpretation to French (10:00 CET). Register here. 6 December 2024: Deadline for requesting clarifications through the EUDiF website. April 2025: Notification of outcome. 31 December 2026: Latest date for end of project implementation.

The true impact of Digital Farmer Services (DFS)

7 November 2024. Digital Farmers Services (DFS) and how the 'Meaningful Use' framework can help companies scale DFS solutions to deliver sustainable, impactful benefits for farmers in Africa and Asia.

Traditional metrics like usage frequency or app downloads often fail to capture the true impact of Digital Farmer Services (DFS). The "Meaningful Use" framework fills this gap by evaluating the real benefits that farmers gain from these services. Based on a survey of nearly 5,000 farmers across India, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia, this approach covers services such as information access, input and equipment markets, and credit offered by 18 DFS providers.

The panel of experts will discuss the design of the 'Meaningful Use' framework in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics, how DFS is transforming farmers' practices, livelihoods, and resilience, and Insights on scaling DFS solutions to deliver sustainable, impactful benefits for farmers across Africa and Asia.

• Parmesh Shah, Global Lead, Data-Driven Digital Agriculture and Innovation The World Bank; 
• Ellie Turner, Director of Agriculture at 60 Decibels; 
• Sheena Raikundalia, Chief Growth Officer at Kuza; 
• Phyian Karinge, Senior Product Manager at agriBORA; 
• Rajesh Ranjan, Founder, Krishify; 
• Hannah Reed, Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; 
• Luc Christiaensen, Lead Agricultural Economist, Agricultural and Food Global Practice of The World Bank and 
• Sydney Gourlay, Senior Economist, Development Data Group of The World Bank

• Find the Presentation Here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Ne15ZtRt4lXib90IyRi6qJnUKvlBUTZO/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113395485540901642907&rtpof=true&sd=true
• The World Bank`s "What’s Cooking Digital Agriculture Learning Series" webinar is now on The World Bank Open Learning Campus, OLC. The OLC is available to everyone inside the World Bank as well as externally. 
• and on YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@DataDrivenDigitalAgriculture/videos  
• Have a look at their website and join the community: https://www.worldbank.org/digitalagriculture

Previous webinar

4 Oct 2024. Transforming Agriculture Through Data and Digital Technologies and Enhancing Productivity

The agricultural sector is confronting escalating challenges that threaten both productivity and environmental sustainability. From ensuring food security to maintaining stable production amid climate change, traditional farming methods are increasingly insufficient. The modern agricultural landscape calls for innovative solutions, leveraging advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoTs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data. e-kakashi's Digital Platform: Spearheading the integration of plant science with data-driven technology, e-kakashi offers a digital platform that enhances agricultural practices. 

Utilizing sensors and AI, this system not only captures and visualizes vital environmental and cultivation data but also merges plant physiology with machine learning. This approach provides farmers with real-time, actionable insights to optimize growing conditions, mitigate risks, and improve crop quality and yield. e-kakashi is dedicated to expanding its platform to include a wider range of agricultural data, such as soil conditions and human labor, creating a comprehensive agricultural information network. https://www.e-kakashi.com/en/

Sagri's Geo-Spatial Analytics: Since its inception in 2018, Sagri has been at the forefront of integrating geo-spatial analytics with AI and proprietary models to revolutionize farming techniques. By combining satellite imagery with on-field data, Sagri delivers precise, farm-level recommendations that optimize irrigation and fertilizer use while promoting sustainability. Their advanced satellite analytics also help farmers reduce costs and emissions, capitalize on agriculture carbon credits, and enhance productivity with data-driven methods. Sagri's impact spans across global operations in 10 countries across Asia, South America, and Africa. https://sagri.tokyo/en/technology/