The African Food Systems Transformation Collective (AFSTC), an initiative by The African Climate Foundation, launched its inaugural in-person convening in Kigali, Rwanda, on November 25, 2024. The event brought together diverse participants, fostering critical discussions and generating key takeaways from # the first day of #AFSTC2024.
The convening delved into 18 issue briefs meticulously prepared by a coalition of African researchers, academics, and policy advocates. These briefs covered various topics, including agrochemicals, gender, aquaculture, livestock, storage, transport and trade, food retail and environments, just transitions, and land governance.
Amidst these practical discussions, several high-level recommendations emerged:
- Invest in Agroecology and Sustainable Practices: Emphasize the importance of enhancing resilience, biodiversity, and equitable food production through sustainable agricultural practices.
- Strengthen Storage and Processing Infrastructure: Improve storage and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food safety.
- Foster Collective Collaboration: Mobilize funding and advocacy efforts from private sectors, governments, and philanthropic organisations to support food systems transformation.
- Support Grassroots Networks and Local Actors: Enhance capacity building, provide flexible financing, and promote inclusive governance to empower local communities and grassroots organisations.
- Integrate Innovative Technologies and Traditional Knowledge: Scale sustainable solutions by combining modern technologies with traditional knowledge, preserving Africa’s rich food heritage.
- Advocate for Policy Reforms and Government Accountability: Push for policy changes that promote food sovereignty, equitable resource access, and climate-smart agriculture and ensure government accountability.
These recommendations underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to transforming Africa’s food systems. By investing in sustainable practices, strengthening infrastructure, fostering collaboration, supporting local actors, integrating innovative and traditional methods, and advocating for policy reforms, the AFSTC aims to create a resilient and equitable food system for the continent.
The African Climate Foundation is dedicated to addressing climate change by supporting innovative solutions and fostering collaborations across the continent. Their sponsorship of the Electricity Hub is a testament to their commitment to driving sustainable energy transitions and making a lasting impact.