CONVENING COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) in the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is convening the community of practice (CoP) initiative on Africa’s food systems transformation – Leave no one behind, to ensure that no one is left behind in the efforts to transform food systems in Africa. This initiative provides a space for stakeholders to come together, share knowledge and best practices, and collaborate on solutions to address the challenges facing food systems in the region. Some of the members in this CoP initiative include the Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Agricultural Consultative Forum (Zambia), Mzumbe University (Tanzania), Sustainable Development Goals office in Zambia, and African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA). These members encompass diverse stakeholders such as government, academia, research, civil society and private sector, all important in transforming food systems. By convening this platform, we intend to create more inclusive and sustainable food systems that benefit everyone on the African Continent. The initiative seeks to achieve the following four (4) goals:

Provide a platform for knowledge sharing and learning: This CoP brings together various stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners, to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to transform Africa’s food systems. This collective learning can accelerate the adoption of sustainable farming practices, improve food security, and reduce poverty.

Promotes collaboration and partnership: This CoP aims to foster partnerships between different stakeholders, facilitating the pooling resources and expertise to address common challenges. This can lead to more effective and efficient solutions.

Gives a voice to marginalized groups: The “Leave no one behind” aspect of this CoP ensures that the needs and perspectives of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as smallholder farmers, women, and youth, are taken into account in the transformation of Africa’s food systems. This can contribute to more equitable and inclusive development.

Influence policy and practice: This CoP aims to generate evidence-based knowledge and insights to inform policy and practice. This can lead to more supportive policies and effective interventions for food systems transformation.

Accelerating Food Systems Transformation in Africa: Convening the Community of Practice – Lessons from SADC Countries ​

As part of the ongoing Food Systems Transformation Community of Practice (CoP) initiative, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), in collaboration with the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and other key partners hosted a side event on December 2, 2024, titled “Accelerating Food Systems Transformation in Africa – Lessons from SADC Countries” at the Science Forum South Africa 2024 in Pretoria. The event concentrated on innovative strategies to transform Africa’s food systems, aiming to tackle food insecurity, poverty, and inequality. It underscored the importance of inclusive co-creation, engaging a wide range of stakeholders from research to practical application, and highlighted the pivotal role of Africa’s youth as a driving force for innovation.

Discussions stressed collaboration between state and non-state actors to enhance complementarity, the importance of building robust networks, and breaking down silos to share best practices. The event underscored sustainable agricultural practices as essential for reducing poverty and unemployment while achieving food security. It called for equitable access to resources, especially for smallholder farmers, women, and marginalized communities.

Case studies from SADC countries like South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, and Malawi showcased successful initiatives and key drivers for food systems transformation. Key topics included the role of research and development, technology integration, policy frameworks, and traditional knowledge in agriculture. Community-driven approaches and multi-stakeholder collaboration were highlighted as vital for inclusive transformation efforts.

The session provided actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, aiming to inspire action for a resilient and food-secure Africa. By fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration, the event aimed to drive meaningful change towards a sustainable agricultural future for the continent. Join us in this transformative journey to create resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems in Africa. Together, we can secure a prosperous future for all. Download the full report here.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT

Dr Rodney Managa: RManaga@hsrc.ac.za