On the second day of the African Food Systems Transformation Collective’s (AFSTC) inaugural in-person event, the African Climate Foundation (ACF) played a central role in guiding participants through a day of impactful learning and exploration. Delegates visited three key locations: the Dukunde Kawa Musasa Cooperative, La Ferme du Lac, and Agropy Limited, where they were exposed to innovative and sustainable approaches to food systems transformation.
At the Musasa Coffee Cooperative and La Ferme du Lac, delegates observed firsthand how local communities are being empowered through agroecology to create more sustainable and resilient food systems. These visits highlighted practical approaches that prioritise environmental sustainability, community empowerment, and the promotion of agroecological practices. At Agropy Limited, the focus was on innovative technologies aimed at crop value protection, particularly eco-friendly pesticides that contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
Malik Dasoo, ACF’s Programme Officer for Sustainable Agriculture, emphasised the significance of these visits in understanding the realities of food systems transformation. He explained that such visits are critical for “ground-truthing” the proposed analyses and recommendations for Africa’s food systems. By engaging directly with farms, processing facilities, and markets, delegates understood how global and regional factors such as climate change, trade dynamics, national policies, and local operational challenges affect food systems on the ground.
Dasoo stressed that these experiences force participants to think critically about what needs to change in Africa’s food systems, how that change can be achieved, and which actors must take responsibility to make the necessary shifts. This hands-on approach enables a deeper connection between theoretical frameworks and practical, on-the-ground solutions.
The AFSTC 2024 initiative, powered by the hashtag #AFSTC2024, is designed to foster a pan-African knowledge network that connects philanthropies, stakeholders, and policymakers. By sharing evidence-based analysis and practical recommendations, the network seeks to promote agroecological food systems across Africa. Through collaboration, the goal is to identify strategies, solutions, and partnership opportunities to drive sustainable and equitable food system transitions across the continent.
As the AFSTC convening progresses, the insights gained from these site visits are expected to fuel discussions on how African countries can work together to implement transformative food systems that address the continent’s most pressing challenges.