Wasafiri

We all know that complex problems need systems change approaches but taking this from theory into practice takes a lot more than know it is a good idea. At Wasafiri much of the work we do these days is helping organisations to design programmes and create strategies that are informed by systems thinking and designed to have system level impact. And make sure this is super practical. Hamish Wilson has been hard at work with one of our key clients SNV helping them develop a system wide approach to regenerative agriculture

We will be in Kigali for the AFS Forum next month - and we are buzzing. Not just because we’re gathering with brilliant minds in food systems leadership, but because this is where real change begins. The Africa Food Systems Forum is a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and co-create solutions that drive sustainable food systems across the continent. Our teams from Wasafiri and the African Food Fellowship are excited to learn from others and contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of food security in Africa. Kigali, here we come! #AFSF2024 #FoodSystemsLeadership #ZeroHunger Alex Rees Brenda Mareri

This year's AFS Forum theme highlights the urgent need to unleash and leverage the creative potential of the continent's youth and women to accelerate economic development. The African Food Fellowship is teeming with innovations from some of the most brilliant food systems minds in Kenya and Rwanda. Like look at Abdu USANASE fro instance, an award-winning agri-tech innovator from Kigali, Rwanda: https://lnkd.in/eSRfq3ry And Joy Muya who is working tirelessly to redirect surplus food from farmers, suppliers and retailers to vulnerable groups and individuals in Kenya: https://lnkd.in/e3AEpkU5 Meet more Fellows and read about the awesome work they are doing to transform African food systems here: https://lnkd.in/eAWgrfjS #RoadtoAFSF24 Small Foundation

Part of commemorating International Youth Day is celebrating the potential of youth as changemakers in tackling today’s global challenges such as #climatechange. This morning Wasafiri's Brenda Mareri spoke on 'Understanding Food Systems and Climate Change' at the Local Conference of Youth in Nairobi. Bumping into fellows from the African Food Fellowship was a happy bonus. "It was a blast celebrating International Youth Day in Kenya with some Kenyan fellows at the Local Conference of Youth workshop hosted in Nairobi today. #AFFfellows are change makers." - Brenda. LCOY-KENYA African Food Fellowship

#HomeGrownSchoolFeeding (HGSF) reaches over 64.5 million children in more than 46 countries across Africa. While the benefits of HGSF on children are well-known, the impact on farmers, communities, and the environment has been little studied. While we don’t directly leverage HGSF to accelerate progress on climate resilience, food security and nutrition, gender equality, and social inclusion, our work is to support organisations that do that - and more. That's why we’re excited to share insights from our recent scoping study looking at the supply side of HGSF. Download the executive summary here: https://lnkd.in/dbNgWW2C Special thanks to our fantastic team, Navneet Mittal, Clare Gardner, Hezekiah Agwara. Great job! Also check out Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement's recent bulletin, it appears there too: https://lnkd.in/dzfQCgNw International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) reaches over 64.5 million children in more than 46 countries across Africa. While the benefits of HGSF on children are well-known, the impact on farmers, communities, and the environment has been little studied. With an excellent cross functional team completed - A Scoping Review on the supply side of HGSF to identify - Research gaps, Stakeholders in HGSF, Development opportunities in upstream subsystems of HGSFPs & The potential of HGSF to accelerate progress on climate resilience, food security and nutrition, gender equality, and social inclusion. Our review found that HGSF across the continent has common attributes, including scale, coordinating entities, approaches, and levels of development and financing. Analysis of the continental evidence revealed the following: - HGSF provides an important framework for cross-cutting action to transform food systems which can not only improve child health, but also contribute to global climate and biodiversity goals. - There is limited uniform understanding of the HGSF approach and terminology, with terms such as ‘home-grown,’ ‘local,’ and ‘smallholder’ interpreted differently across countries and even within countries. - Very limited systematic research found on the upstream subsystems of HGSF. - Gender and equity are often integrated into HGSF design, but the influence on gender transformation is rarely evaluated. - Work needs to be done to join up siloed programs and research on HGSF, sustainable farming, and climate change adaptation. - HGSF is only just beginning to introduce a climate lens, which is primarily focused within schools. - Procurement decisions and School Food Menus have a clear role in driving sustainable food systems transformation. - Sustainable dietary change can be largely cost-neutral; however, there is pilot evidence that needs to be strengthened. - Greater investment in collaborative leadership and coordination across government and with the private sector at different levels, including farmers and their organizations, is required. Read and download the Executive Summary here: https://bit.ly/3yfIToc Thanks to Wasafiri and IDRC team for the opportunity and to all the stakeholders who contributed to this review! Clare Gardner Hezekiah Agwara Wasafiri Alex Rees Edidah Ampaire Peiman Milani Edouard Yao Sapna Gorajia Gilbert N. Miki (PhD) Edward Lloyd-Evans Maria Schiavo Darren Hughes

Have a look at a few images from African Food Fellowship's 3rd Kenyan cohort Graduation Day. The 29 Fellows have just completed a programme that helps equip Food Systems Leaders with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to deliver effective #foodsystems actions. Gathered also are Fellows from previous cohorts, mentors and friends of the Fellowship such as renowned #Kenyan nutritionist and food scientist Ruth Oniang'o, known for her work in food security and rural development. Brenda Mareri Charles Ondeko Rikki Agudah Anne Ngethe CSC George M. Nuthu, PCC Ruth Oniang'o #AFFGraduationKE

Big #congratulations to all the Fellows graduating tomorrow. Excited to see your continued impact in transforming Africa's food systems and a growing Fellowship! #makegoodchangehappen

"Let's collaborate!" is a phrase often thrown around but challenging to actualise. Yet collaboration is crucial if we are to address our complex problems and make good change happen. Dr Kate Simpson shares why here 👉🏼 https://lnkd.in/dESvf4PB Do you agree? What have you learnt about collaboration?

Wasafiri is seeking 3 Country Learning Leads in each of India, Kenya and South Africa to support an initiative improving how health research impacts communities. They should independent consultants that are based in each of the countries. Please reach out to Scott@wasafirihub.com ASAP and no later than Wednesday 17th July.   We are bidding for an initiative that aims to revolutionize the way knowledge is exchanged between communities and health researchers, addressing historical power imbalances and making research more inclusive and impactful.  The ideal candidates will have expertise in learning methodologies, community engagement, participatory research, facilitation, and health.    Availability: November 2024 - December 2026, part time   Key Responsibilities: - Facilitate and support participatory research and community engagement activities. - Apply iterative learning methods to enhance project outcomes and adaptability. - Collaborate with local stakeholders, including policymakers, community organizations, NGOs, academics, and civil society groups. - Ensure alignment with Centres for Exchange values and principles in all activities. - Provide advisory support and capacity building to local teams and organizations. - Synthesize and present information effectively across complex, multi-faceted programs. - Contribute to the development of a robust Learning Network across the initiative.   Requirements: - Strong expertise in learning methodologies and emergent, iterative learning approaches. - Proven experience in community engagement theory and practice, including participatory approaches. - Background in health research and a commitment to global health equity. - Experience in running learning processes in Kenya, India or South Africa. - Excellent facilitation and advisory skills, with the ability to support and guide local teams. - Strong understanding of evidence-building approaches and application. - Ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments and foster an inclusive organizational culture.