‘Addressing food systems challenges is at the heart of sustainability in Africa, and indeed globally’ – VC at FSNet-Africa Research Symposium

Posted on April 05, 2022

18 fellows of the Food Systems Research Network for Africa (FSNet-Africa) recently presented final research proposals on various food-systems-related topics, during a three-day symposium held at UP's Future Africa Institute.

Foreign agriculture investments don’t always threaten food security: the case of Madagascar

Posted on September 02, 2020

Large-scale land acquisitions have been increasing in developing countries following the 2007/8 high food price crisis. Countries with limited agricultural potential, like Gulf states, have been driving foreign acquisitions in developing countries. Many developing country governments see these...

World Humanitarian Aid Day: Can we respond to a COVID-19 triggered food crisis the traditional way?

Posted on August 19, 2020

Many countries have yet to feel the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – which will certainly not be limited to the health of the people. Government restrictions, attempts to adapt, and the direct effects of the disease are likely to change the way people earn a living. Humanitarian...

UP research focuses on women in African agriculture

Posted on August 12, 2020

As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, it is a fitting time to reflect on the role of women in food and nutrition security on the African continent.

World-renowned sensory-consumer scientist appointed extraordinary professor at UP

Posted on July 29, 2020

Prominent sensory-consumer scientist Professor Hely Tuorila, professor emeritus at the University of Helsinki in Finland, has been appointed an extraordinary professor in the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Consumer and Food Sciences.

Partnerships are crucial for delivering food for Africa in a transforming agri-food system in the ‘new normal’, say experts at regional universities forum webinar

Posted on July 22, 2020

The recently awarded Food Systems Research Network for Africa, a collaborative initiative between the University of Pretoria, the University of Leeds and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network, is a good example of partnerships for building capacity that are key for...

We must protect children’s access to nutritious food during and beyond the pandemic, writes UP expert

Posted on July 08, 2020

Food insecurity and malnutrition are not new to the African continent. Millions of lives are lost each year because of hunger. Many of these are children. The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the sluggishness of African governments in addressing food insecurity and has also fuelled the demand to...

What drives policy reform? A cross-country review of micronutrient policy change in Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia

Posted on June 11, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the sluggishness of governments in addressing significant development challenges. This is especially true for the areas of food security and nutrition. Our recently published paper highlights bottlenecks in the policy process that stall effective implementation.