Jan 29, 2025
                       

Evidence gap mapping on transformative foods for sustainable food systems in Africa

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The Research Problem

Building resilient African food systems is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals such as no poverty, zero hunger, gender equity, climate action, and life on land. The changing climate has made it necessary to adapt to foods that are suitable for Africa’s conditions. In the past, these foods were largely limited to underutilised and indigenous crops.

This project builds on lessons learned from FSNet-Africa (2020-2023), where research fellows identified food system solutions through interdisciplinary analysis, culminating in the overarching recommendation for transformative foods, including African insects, livestock, and crops, with a focus on indigenous and neglected varieties. The knowledge generated will help stakeholders achieve food security and health, as well as promote economic well-being and environmental conservation.

Research Design

The project aims to map food categories like crops, livestock, and insects while assessing their nutritional, climate resilience, and livelihood values. This inclusive approach sets it apart from conventional studies that focus on a single category.

The execution follows a four-step process. First, a scoping review will gather secondary information to identify transformative foods in existing literature. Next, local participants, including farmers and nutritionists, will collaboratively select three priority transformative foods from each study area.

Then, a systems analysis will be conducted on the chosen foods, with virtual key informant interviews for additional data. Finally, findings will be validated in a stakeholder workshop with key individuals involved in producing and using the identified foods.

Project Objectives

The project, through funding from WUN, will analyse gaps in research on transformative foods for sustainable food systems, collecting data from production to consumption with the following objectives:

  1. Identify transformative foods based on their nutritional benefits and impact on climate resilience, sustainability, livelihoods, and affordability.
  2. Examine the value chain of these foods by analysing stakeholders involved in production and innovations across different geographic contexts.
  3. Create strategies to promote transformative foods by engaging stakeholders to enhance awareness and adoption for improved health and sustainability.