In commemoration of World Food Day, the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship (CAS) hosted a seminar on 16 October 2024 at the University of Pretoria. The event, led by the Food Systems Research Network for Africa (FSNet-Africa), focused on sharing a research agenda aimed at advancing the realisation of the right to food across Africa. FSNet-Africa is a flagship project of the African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS). The seminar highlighted critical research priorities and innovative strategies for transforming research into impactful, real-world outcomes.

Aligning with the 2024 World Food Day theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future”, the seminar provided a timely reflection on the ongoing global challenges of hunger and food insecurity. Discussions stressed the urgency of food-systems transformation, particularly as the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches, with millions still lacking access to safe and nutritious food.

A New Food Systems Research Agenda

The new research agenda presented by FSNet-Africa draws from the collective insights of 83 researchers across 15 disciplines from six African countries—Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia—with contributions from researchers in the United Kingdom. This agenda is designed to address food-systems challenges in the post-SDG era,ensuring that researchers collaborate with stakeholders to create practical, impactful solutions.

Prof. Frans Swanepoel (University of Pretoria), FSNet-Africa Director and Principal Investigator, introduced the network’s two-year fellowship programme, which is focused on translating research into tangible results. "By supporting researchers to collaborate closely with stakeholders throughout the research cycle—from inception to dissemination—we ensure that evidence-based solutions are effectively integrated into policy and practice", Swanepoel explained.

Prof. Claire Quinn (University of Leeds), FSNet-Africa Co-Principal Investigator, presented the network’s food systems framework, which has been refined by the research of the fellows to reflect Africa’s unique context. "There is no single African food system," Quinn
noted, "but rather multiple food systems, each with its own complexities and challenges. Recognising this diversity is essential to ensuring that our approaches are effective across the continent". Participants in the seminar echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need to address the distinct food systems in different regions of Africa.

Dr Colleta Gandidzanwa (University of Pretoria), Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension, and Rural Development, shared the FSNet-Africa model, which has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to stakeholder collaboration. This model has been featured in the FAO’s draft report entitled Guidance on Strengthening National Science-Policy Interfaces for Agrifood Systems. The model’s emphasis on inter- and transdisciplinary research is key to tackling challenges that cannot be solved by any single discipline.

Dr Elizabeth Mkandawire (University of Pretoria), FSNet-Africa’s Research and Network Manager, presented the African agenda for food-systems transformation, which calls for a holistic approach to addressing food insecurity. "This agenda reflects Africa’s unique development needs and integrates local solutions with global objectives", Mkandawire said, underscoring the importance of building resilient, sustainable food systems for the future.

Implications for Post-SDG Food Systems

With just six years remaining until the conclusion of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, FSNet-Africa’s new research agenda is critical for shaping Africa’s food systems in the next decade and beyond. This agenda will serve as a blueprint for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, ensuring that Africa’s food systems are transformed in a way that prioritises the fundamental human right to food.

Speakers at the seminar emphasised the importance of collaboration and engaging diverse stakeholders to advance this agenda. By incorporating a wide range of perspectives, food systems that are inclusive and sustainable can be established.

A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact

FSNet-Africa’s collaborative research model, which involves stakeholders from academia, civil society, and local communities, is a powerful mechanism for driving real-world impact. "Our work at the ARUA-SFS continues to strengthen interdisciplinary research and ensure that evidence is translated into meaningful interventions for Africa’s food systems", Prof. Swanepoel stated.

The seminar also marked the launch of a special issue of the New Agenda Journal, titled Pathways to Food Systems Transformation in Africa – From Research to Policy and Practice. This publication captures FSNet-Africa’s key findings and provides actionable insights on how Africa can address its current food-systems challenges.

The CAS seminar was not just a commemoration of World Food Day but a call to action. As the research agenda moves forward, it is expected to inspire continued collaboration across Africa and globally, ensuring that the right to food is realised for all.