From 6–9 August 2024, colleagues from the HSRC’s Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) division, in collaboration with the Strategic Partnerships Unit (SPU), participated in the annual regional multi-stakeholder Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Policy Dialogue in Lilongwe, Malawi. This event convened stakeholders from about 20 African countries, including about 30 government officials, 39 academics and several civil society representatives.

The policy dialogue focused on evidence-based policies for food systems transformation in Africa. Discussions concentrated on policy pathways towards transforming Africa’s agriculture and food systems. Key topics included climate action strategies to unlock food systems transformation, the impact of shocks on food and nutrition security, integrating climate, land, agriculture and biodiversity for sustainable food systems in Africa, and enhancing governance, research, and capacity building within food systems.

On Thursday evening, 8 August, the SPU colleagues led the HSRC team in strategic engagements with key government representatives of the host country, including officials from Malawi’s Ministries of Education, Health, Agriculture, Environment and Economic Planning and Development. These discussions focused on collaborative efforts to launch the One Food programme in Malawi. On Friday, 9 August, Dr Vandudzai Mbanda delivered a presentation on the One Food programme, emphasising the critical role of integrating social sciences to develop viable solutions for sustainable food systems. Her presentation also showcased the HSRC’s significant involvement and contributions to the One Food work.

View updates of the EEE’s work on the One Food Risk Tool here, and access the ‘One food: social sciences advisory report’ here.