Food Systems Research Network for Africa (FSNet-Africa)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Pretoria
Department Name: Centre for Advancement of Scholarship
Abstract
The Food Systems Research Network for Africa (FSNet-Africa) will strengthen food systems research and its translation into implementable interventions in support of interrelated Sustainable Development Goals related to food systems in Africa (focusing on SDG2 - Zero Hunger).
The network partners - University of Pretoria (UP) (ARUA-CoE in Food Security host), University of Leeds (UoL) (GCRF-AFRICAP host) and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) (GCRF-AFRICAP partner) have been selected based on their track record of working together, strengths in food systems research and existing partnerships with food systems stakeholders.
The major contribution of FSNet-Africa to addressing the challenge of SDG2 will be its focus on developing a new understanding of the African food systems through developing the FSNet-Africa Food Systems Framework and utilising systems-based methodologies to conduct research that enhances understanding of the components of the framework, the interactions between these components, and ultimately the leverage points for food system transformation. The latter will be implemented by an interdisciplinary cohort of early career research fellows (ECRF) who are supported in their research to identify (in dialogue with food systems stakeholders) and evaluate climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive, poverty-reducing interventions.
FSNet-Africa will collaboratively produce context-relevant, interdisciplinary research through creating 2-year long structured opportunities for up to 30 ECRF, majority female, who obtained their PhD's less than 10 years ago to (i) conduct impact-focused, gender sensitive, interdisciplinary research related to African food systems, (ii) build lasting research networks, and (iii) develop their skills to translate their research impactfully. ECRF will be selected from 10 academic partner institutions in six countries - Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia.
The three formal components of the fellowships (science, mentorship and leadership development) will ensure that the ECRF are positioned in the necessary enabling environment and are provided with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to produce excellent research, achieve the project objectives and significantly advance their academic careers. During the fellowship, each fellow will be assigned at least two mentors - one from an African university and the other from the UK. These research-triads will be carefully matched to ensure that the triad is an interdisciplinary team, enabling the ECRF to receive the support they need to develop and implement quality interdisciplinary research projects. The Science Component of the fellowship will be comprised of a fellowship orientation workshop, funding for research, participation in a split-site winter/summer school and a write-shop. After attending an Orientation Workshop with their mentors, ECRF will be expected to develop their research proposals that focus on climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive and poverty-reducing food systems solutions. Six months later, a 10-week split-site winter/summer school (at UP's Future Africa Campus and at the University of Leeds) will provide the ECRF with the opportunity to finalise their research proposals for implementation and to participate in various capacity development workshops. The Leadership Component will give ECRF the opportunity to develop skills the skills they need to be future food systems science leaders - such as managing research teams and leadership in science-policy communication.
As a mechanism to facilitate research uptake and impact, every project undertaken by the ECRF will be co-designed and implemented in partnership with relevant policymakers, private sector role players or grassroots level organisations who will engage directly with the research teams at the Orientation Workshop, during the Winter School and in-country to implement the research.
The network partners - University of Pretoria (UP) (ARUA-CoE in Food Security host), University of Leeds (UoL) (GCRF-AFRICAP host) and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) (GCRF-AFRICAP partner) have been selected based on their track record of working together, strengths in food systems research and existing partnerships with food systems stakeholders.
The major contribution of FSNet-Africa to addressing the challenge of SDG2 will be its focus on developing a new understanding of the African food systems through developing the FSNet-Africa Food Systems Framework and utilising systems-based methodologies to conduct research that enhances understanding of the components of the framework, the interactions between these components, and ultimately the leverage points for food system transformation. The latter will be implemented by an interdisciplinary cohort of early career research fellows (ECRF) who are supported in their research to identify (in dialogue with food systems stakeholders) and evaluate climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive, poverty-reducing interventions.
FSNet-Africa will collaboratively produce context-relevant, interdisciplinary research through creating 2-year long structured opportunities for up to 30 ECRF, majority female, who obtained their PhD's less than 10 years ago to (i) conduct impact-focused, gender sensitive, interdisciplinary research related to African food systems, (ii) build lasting research networks, and (iii) develop their skills to translate their research impactfully. ECRF will be selected from 10 academic partner institutions in six countries - Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia.
The three formal components of the fellowships (science, mentorship and leadership development) will ensure that the ECRF are positioned in the necessary enabling environment and are provided with the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to produce excellent research, achieve the project objectives and significantly advance their academic careers. During the fellowship, each fellow will be assigned at least two mentors - one from an African university and the other from the UK. These research-triads will be carefully matched to ensure that the triad is an interdisciplinary team, enabling the ECRF to receive the support they need to develop and implement quality interdisciplinary research projects. The Science Component of the fellowship will be comprised of a fellowship orientation workshop, funding for research, participation in a split-site winter/summer school and a write-shop. After attending an Orientation Workshop with their mentors, ECRF will be expected to develop their research proposals that focus on climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive and poverty-reducing food systems solutions. Six months later, a 10-week split-site winter/summer school (at UP's Future Africa Campus and at the University of Leeds) will provide the ECRF with the opportunity to finalise their research proposals for implementation and to participate in various capacity development workshops. The Leadership Component will give ECRF the opportunity to develop skills the skills they need to be future food systems science leaders - such as managing research teams and leadership in science-policy communication.
As a mechanism to facilitate research uptake and impact, every project undertaken by the ECRF will be co-designed and implemented in partnership with relevant policymakers, private sector role players or grassroots level organisations who will engage directly with the research teams at the Orientation Workshop, during the Winter School and in-country to implement the research.
Planned Impact
FSNet-Africa is a collaboration between the University of Pretoria (South Africa), the University of Leeds (UK) and the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN).
FSNet-Africa will develop an interdisciplinary cohort of majority female Early Career Research Fellows (ECRF) capable of applying food systems thinking and methodologies to their research agendas. This will be achieved by creating 2-year long structured opportunities for the ECRF, pairing each with a mentor from Africa and the UK (forming research-triads), and capacitating them to work directly with food systems stakeholders in six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia) to design, implement and apply their research.
FSNet-Africa will build the individual and institutional capacities of ECRF, mentors and 10 African partner universities; strengthen their linkages to researchers in the UK and build sustainable partnerships for the co-creation of knowledge with non-academic food systems stakeholders in the six focus countries. Importantly, FSNet-Africa contributes to increasing the number of highly competent, globally-connected female food systems researchers in Africa.
FSNet-Africa will deliver novel tools and approaches, as well as new insights into food system dynamics and trade-offs across scales - a subject of growing interest. The knowledge and solutions created will thus benefit a highly diverse audience across disciplines and fields of practice, including researchers and practitioners with an interest in food security and its intersection with development in Africa.
Collaboration and partnerships for impact with non-academic stakeholders will be led by FANRPAN, whose role in linking FSNet-Africa to stakeholders will be multi-layered. FANRPAN will tap into its country-based nodal structure to link research-triads directly to food systems stakeholders - including policymakers, actors in the supply chain and grassroots organisations working with farmers - to ensure that research is informed by demand. Through the ongoing engagement between research-triads and these targeted food systems stakeholders in each country, FSNet-Africa will be well positioned to have a practical impact on agricultural development, business practices, public engagement and behaviour, as well as policy. Through engaging gender advisors, gender will be mainstreamed into all research projects to provide solutions that avoid gender-blind approaches that reinforce gender inequality.
FANRPAN has unique relationships and convening power with governments, universities and NGOs through national nodes and peer professional membership across 17 countries which it will leverage to identify opportunities for research-triads to engage with; in addition to high-level strategic platforms at country and continental level. This will provide exposure for FSNet-Africa, and create potential linkages for taking research projects to scale. FANRPAN will lead on identifying national, regional and international opportunities for communicating synthesised research findings originating from FSNet-Africa. ECRF will receive training on policy influencing and communicating with non-academic audiences, recognising that these are integral skills for successful engagment within food systems.
Through these multi-layered, multisectoral linkages, FSNet-Africa's research has the potential to help catalyse (i) the development and implementation of evidence-led food systems policy(ii) the uptake of research-informed practices, products and services across sectors and throughout the value chain and (iii) a change in the demands and behaviour of producers and consumers, across sectors and throughout the value chain. These will ultimately contribute to improved food security and nutritional status in Africa by developing food systems that are inclusive and economically efficient; whilst protecting the ecosystems in which these systems depend on.
FSNet-Africa will develop an interdisciplinary cohort of majority female Early Career Research Fellows (ECRF) capable of applying food systems thinking and methodologies to their research agendas. This will be achieved by creating 2-year long structured opportunities for the ECRF, pairing each with a mentor from Africa and the UK (forming research-triads), and capacitating them to work directly with food systems stakeholders in six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia) to design, implement and apply their research.
FSNet-Africa will build the individual and institutional capacities of ECRF, mentors and 10 African partner universities; strengthen their linkages to researchers in the UK and build sustainable partnerships for the co-creation of knowledge with non-academic food systems stakeholders in the six focus countries. Importantly, FSNet-Africa contributes to increasing the number of highly competent, globally-connected female food systems researchers in Africa.
FSNet-Africa will deliver novel tools and approaches, as well as new insights into food system dynamics and trade-offs across scales - a subject of growing interest. The knowledge and solutions created will thus benefit a highly diverse audience across disciplines and fields of practice, including researchers and practitioners with an interest in food security and its intersection with development in Africa.
Collaboration and partnerships for impact with non-academic stakeholders will be led by FANRPAN, whose role in linking FSNet-Africa to stakeholders will be multi-layered. FANRPAN will tap into its country-based nodal structure to link research-triads directly to food systems stakeholders - including policymakers, actors in the supply chain and grassroots organisations working with farmers - to ensure that research is informed by demand. Through the ongoing engagement between research-triads and these targeted food systems stakeholders in each country, FSNet-Africa will be well positioned to have a practical impact on agricultural development, business practices, public engagement and behaviour, as well as policy. Through engaging gender advisors, gender will be mainstreamed into all research projects to provide solutions that avoid gender-blind approaches that reinforce gender inequality.
FANRPAN has unique relationships and convening power with governments, universities and NGOs through national nodes and peer professional membership across 17 countries which it will leverage to identify opportunities for research-triads to engage with; in addition to high-level strategic platforms at country and continental level. This will provide exposure for FSNet-Africa, and create potential linkages for taking research projects to scale. FANRPAN will lead on identifying national, regional and international opportunities for communicating synthesised research findings originating from FSNet-Africa. ECRF will receive training on policy influencing and communicating with non-academic audiences, recognising that these are integral skills for successful engagment within food systems.
Through these multi-layered, multisectoral linkages, FSNet-Africa's research has the potential to help catalyse (i) the development and implementation of evidence-led food systems policy(ii) the uptake of research-informed practices, products and services across sectors and throughout the value chain and (iii) a change in the demands and behaviour of producers and consumers, across sectors and throughout the value chain. These will ultimately contribute to improved food security and nutritional status in Africa by developing food systems that are inclusive and economically efficient; whilst protecting the ecosystems in which these systems depend on.
Organisations
- University of Pretoria (Lead Research Organisation)
- Lilongwe University of Agriculture & Natural Resources (Collaboration)
- Sokoine University of Agriculture (Collaboration)
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Collaboration)
- MALAWI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Collaboration)
- Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- UNIVERSITY OF GHANA (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS (Collaboration)
- University of Zambia (Collaboration)
- University of Dar es Salaam (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI (Collaboration)
- Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Project Partner)
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Project Partner)
- University of Nairobi (Project Partner)
- Sokoine University of Agriculture (Project Partner)
- University of Zambia (Project Partner)
- University of the Western Cape (Project Partner)
- University of Ghana (Project Partner)
- Malawi University of Science and Technology (Project Partner)
Publications
Sibanda L
(2021)
Policy Considerations for African Food Systems: Towards the United Nations 2021 Food Systems Summit
in Sustainability
Pretorius B
(2021)
Guiding Nutritious Food Choices and Diets along Food Systems
in Sustainability
Mwila Natasha Muchemwa
(2022)
Situational analyses on cowpea value chain in Zambia: the case of an untapped legume
in Soil and Crop Sciences
Mkandawire E
(2021)
Enhancing the Glopan Food Systems Framework by Integrating Gender: Relevance for Women in African Agriculture
in Sustainability
May J
(2021)
Re-Imagining Resilient Food Systems in the Post-COVID-19 Era in Africa
in Sustainability
Gandidzanwa C
(2021)
Evaluating Factors Affecting Performance of Land Reform Beneficiaries in South Africa
in Sustainability
Dougill A
(2021)
Evaluating Climate-Smart Agriculture as Route to Building Climate Resilience in African Food Systems
in Sustainability
| Title | The day the FSNet-Africa superheroes saved the day |
| Description | Description • This short animation shows some of the challenges in African food systems, and demonstrates some actions required to address these challenges. • The story line for the animation was collaboratively developed through an interactive story telling activity by researchers in the FSNet-Africa network (researchers are from UK, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana and Tanzania) • It was produced in South Africa Usage • The animation has only recently been finalised and will be used from April 2022 onwards. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Impact | None currently |
| URL | https://universityofpretoria.glasscubes.com/share/s/la15s07pe91jf6r42ev27qv95i |
| Description | • FSNet-Africa is now an established network of 11 academic institutions in six African countries (Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia and South Africa - all on the DAC list) and the UK, that is connected to stakeholders on the ground in all these countries through its partner the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN). • A group of 85 researchers - from seven countries, 12 institutions, diverse disciplines, and of different genders - are working together to develop 19 projects that will enhance our understanding of African food systems. Nineteen research teams (consisting of an early career researcher (the fellow), and at least two mentors - one from Africa and one from the UK) are collaborating on research projects. • Teaming up researchers from different disciplines provides a holistic view on how to make better food available to more people - a key development challenge in all six African countries. Fellows and mentors come from 18 different disciplines, including food science, eResearch, geography and the environment, and governance. Teams have been matched in a way that will help them identify solutions that tackle food-systems challenges from multiple perspectives. Close to half of the teams (45%) have members coming from departments with four different areas of focus, and a further third (30%) have members from departments focusing on three different areas. • The 19 teams are working with food-systems stakeholders to design and implement their projects. Teams have already mapped out stakeholders and held initial conversations. Ongoing engagement between stakeholders and the research teams is embedded in the full life-cycle of the research projects. This is practically operationalised through the FANRPAN nodes. The stakeholders who are engaged are diverse - they include any party or person with a stake in the food system. Stakeholders engaged to date include farmers, private-sector entities, civil society organisations, and government. By engaging stakeholders throughout the project, the goal is to ensure that the research recommendations are relevant to their needs, increasing the likelihood of research uptake and impact. |
| Exploitation Route | The FSNet-Africa model (experiential research/capacity development approach) is potentially transferrable to joint PhD programmes in the future and (with some adjustments) are transferrable as a model for developing early-career researcher skills for transdisciplinary research. The blended approach of online and in-person engagements means that the model has potential to be implemented at lower cost that previously projected. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
| Description | Gender equality. FSNet-Africa contributes to gender equality through building the career prospects of early-career female researchers in Africa and through strongly supporting gender-responsive research. Measures which have been put in place to ensure equal and meaningful opportunities for people of different genders to be involved throughout the project. • To encourage a high number of applications from female applicants, the FSNet-Africa team offered targeted support to potential female fellows. Marketing materials were prepared to inform prospective applicants that female applicants may request support in submitting their applications. A team of senior female experts was identified to provide this support. This tailored support was intended to ensure that FSNet-Africa receives high-quality applications from female applicants. The experts assisted the applicant by providing feedback on how their application could be improved. Particular attention was paid to how to tailor their applications to expectations outlined in the call document and to align their applications to the FSNet-Africa research focus and objectives. • Female fellows with infant children are provided with funding to allow their infants to travel with them to fellowship events and childcare is provided at events for infants. • Training on how to ensure research is gender responsive in its design, implementation, analysis, and application has been provided to research teams. How any risks and unintended negative consequences on gender equality have been avoided or mitigated against and monitored. • All research teams (19) have project specific gender equality statements, and will monitor impact in terms of gender throughout the implementation of their projects. Any relevant outcomes and outputs being measured, with data disaggregated by age and gender. • The FSNet-Africa team set a target of identifying at least 60% female fellows; 80% of FSNet-Africa fellows selected are female. Twenty-five of the 43 FSNet-Africa mentors are female. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | FSNet team member participation on Welt Hunger Hilfe advisory committee |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| URL | https://www.welthungerhilfe.org/about-us/governance/advisory-committee |
| Description | Participation in Horizons Institute, University of Leeds advisory committee by FSNet team member |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Description | Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) |
| Organisation | Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network |
| Country | South Africa |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. |
| Collaborator Contribution | FANRPAN is one of the three lead FSNet-Africa partners. Two core team members (one in the academic leadership and one in the project coordination) are from the FANRPAN. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. FANRPAN has unique relationships and convening power with governments, universities and NGOs through national nodes and peer professional membership across 17 countries. FANRPAN leverages it country-based nodal structure to link research teams directly to food systems stakeholders - including policymakers, actors in the supply chain and grassroots organisations working with farmers - to ensure that research is informed by demand. FANRPAN leads FSNet-Africa to identify additional mechanisms for sharing research beyond academic audiences by leveraging their country nodes in 17 African countries and facilitating linkages between FSNet-Africa and high-level regional and continental platforms. |
| Impact | FANRPAN is located in South Africa, but has a pan-African reach through its node structure. The nodes are multisectoral in nature and thus have the benefit of directly linking FSNet-Africa to food systems stakeholders within the six DAC countries where the project is being implemented. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana (DAC list country) |
| Organisation | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) |
| Country | Ghana |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at KNUST. The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. Support (financial and administrative) to participate in FSNet-Africa activities is also provided to the two mentors at KNUST. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers and mentors at KNUST are granted access to equipment and facilities at the institution. An institutional champion at KNUST has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), is an academic organization based in Ghana (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with early career researchers from KNUST from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or mentors • Animal Science • Food Science and Technology • Biochemistry and Biotechnology |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | LUANAR, Malawi (DAC list country) |
| Organisation | Lilongwe University of Agriculture & Natural Resources |
| Country | Malawi |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at LUANAR. The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. Support (financial and administrative) to participate in FSNet-Africa activities is also provided to the two mentors at LUANAR. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers and mentors at LUANAR are granted access to equipment and facilities at the institution. An institutional champion at LUANAR has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is an academic organization based in Malawi (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with early career researchers from LUANAR from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or mentors • Extension and Rural Development • Horticulture • Economics • Food Science and Technology |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Malawi University of Science and Technology, Malawi (DAC list country) |
| Organisation | Malawi University of Science and Technology |
| Country | Malawi |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Malawi, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at MUST. The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. Support (financial and administrative) to participate in FSNet-Africa activities is also provided to the mentor at MUST. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers and mentors at MUST are granted access to equipment and facilities at the institution. An institutional champion at MUST has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) is an academic organization based in Malawi (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with early career researchers from MUST from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or mentors • Industrial Research and Innovation • Applied Business Studies • Ecology |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania (DAC list country) |
| Organisation | Sokoine University of Agriculture |
| Country | Tanzania, United Republic of |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at Sokoine University of Agriculture. The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. Support (financial and administrative) to participate in FSNet-Africa activities is also provided to the two mentors at Sokoine University of Agriculture |
| Collaborator Contribution | Sokoine University of Agriculture supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers and mentors at Sokoine University of Agriculture are granted access to equipment and facilities at the institution. An institutional champion at Sokoine University of Agriculture has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • Sokoine University of Agriculture is an academic organization based in Tanzania (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with early career researchers from Sokoine University of Agriculture from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or mentors • Agriculture Economics & Agribusiness • Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) • Chemistry and Physics |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (DAC list country) |
| Organisation | University of Dar es Salaam |
| Country | Tanzania, United Republic of |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at the University . The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The University of Dar es Salaam supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers at the University of Dar es Salaam are granted access to equipment and facilities at the institution. An institutional champion at the University of Dar es Salaam has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • The University of Dar es Salaam is an academic organization based in Tanzania (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with early career researchers from the University of Dar es Salaam from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or • Agriculture, Environmental and Resource Economics • Engineering |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | University of Ghana, Ghana (DAC list country) |
| Organisation | University of Ghana |
| Country | Ghana |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the University of Ghana, Ghana, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at the University of Ghana. The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. Support (financial and administrative) to participate in FSNet-Africa activities is also provided to the three mentors at the University of Ghana. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The University of Ghana supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers and mentors at the University of Ghana are granted access to equipment and facilities at the institution. An institutional champion at the University of Ghana has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • University of Ghana is an academic organization based in Ghana (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with early career researchers from the University of Ghana from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or mentors • Adult Education and Human Resource Studies • Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness • Geography and Resource Development • Agricultural Engineering • Agricultural Extension |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | University of Leeds |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Twenty researchers from the University of Pretoria serve as "hosts" to the twenty FSNet-Africa research teams - primarily serving the role of helping the early career researchers and the mentors from the UK and Africa to build networks within the university. In many cases the UP hosts participate actively in the research projects. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Leeds is one of the three lead FSNet-Africa partners. Three core team members (two in the academic leadership and one in the project coordination) are from the University of Leeds. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Twenty academic staff members from the University of Leeds are serving as mentors to the early career researchers. |
| Impact | About the partnership • The University of Leeds is an academic organization based in the UK. The collaboration with the University of Pretoria (South Africa) is multidisciplinary with academics at the University of Leeds from the disciplines listed below participating as mentors • Biological Sciences • Economics/Business • Food Science and Nutrition • Geography and Environment • Politics and International Studies • Transport studies Benefits of the partnership • The FSNet-Africa project has paved the way for the University of Pretoria and the University of Leeds to develop a broader collaboration (beyond the grant) that extends to the institutional level. Several conversations are ongoing on how to operationalise this - including conversations on co-developing training materials, postgraduate programmes and additional research projects. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | University of Nairobi, Kenya (DAC list country) |
| Organisation | University of Nairobi |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the University of Nairobi, Kenya, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at the University of Nairobi. The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. Support (financial and administrative) to participate in FSNet-Africa activities is also provided to the three mentors at the University of Nairobi. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The University of Nairobi supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers and mentors at the University of Nairobi are granted access to equipment and facilities at the University of Nairobi to conduct their research. An institutional champion at the University of Nairobi has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • The University of Nairobi is an academic organization based in Kenya (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with academics at the University of Nairobi from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or mentors • Animal Production • Geography and Environmental Studies • Plant Science and Crop Protection • Economics |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | University of Zambia, Zambia |
| Organisation | University of Zambia |
| Country | Zambia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the University of Zambia, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at the University. The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. Support (financial and administrative) to participate in FSNet-Africa activities is also provided to the mentor at the University of Zambia. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The University of Zambia supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers and mentors at the University are granted access to equipment and facilities at the institution to work on their research projects. An institutional champion at the University has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • The University of Zambia is an academic organization based in Zambia (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with academics at the University of Zambia from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or mentors • Agricultural Economics and Extension Education • Geography and Environmental Studies • Plant science |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | University of the Western Cape, South Africa (DAC list) |
| Organisation | University of the Western Cape |
| Country | South Africa |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The University of Pretoria is leading the FSNet-Africa project. The overall grant administration resides at the University. Nine core team members (three in the academic leadership and six in the project coordination) are from the University of Pretoria. The team members participate fully in the co-implementation of the project and serve as active members of the various project committees. Support is provided to the partnership with the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, through offering two FSNet-Africa fellowships to researchers at the University of the Western Cape. The fellowships include funding for a research project, and two years of structured capacity building. Support (financial and administrative) to participate in FSNet-Africa activities is also provided to the two mentors at the University of the Western Cape |
| Collaborator Contribution | The University of the Western Cape supports the partnership by allowing the two early career researchers who are participating in the fellowship time off to engage in fellowship activities and implement their research projects. Additionally, early career researchers and mentors at the University of the Western Cape are granted access to equipment and facilities at the institution. An institutional champion at the University of the Western Cape has been identified to assist in the administrative components of managing the partnership. |
| Impact | About the partnership • The University of the Western Cape is an academic organization based in South Africa (a DAC list country). The collaboration is multidisciplinary with academics at the University of the Western Cape from the disciplines listed below participating as early career fellows or mentors • Biotechnology • eResearch • Social development • Information systems |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | ARUA-EU Press Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | 1. A brief description of the activity FSNet-Africa, as a project within the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS) was one of two projects selected to participate in a press conference to showcase the work of the centres of excellence, discuss the unprecedented interest from top European universities and the potential to attract EU funding. • The press conference was held alongside a 2-day summit where over 30 university leaders from the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities reflected on how to develop new types of institutional partnerships that will build long-term research capacity in African universities. • ARUA and the Guild will be undertaking significant collaborative activities in the future, including establishing clusters of excellence. 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries against each engagement activity. • Presenters - DAC list - South Africa, Ghana; Non-DAC list - None • Audience -DAC list- - South Africa, the rest of the audience is unknown as it was broadcast online 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged • ARUA member universities (Academic) • Media representatives (Press) • Other (Unknown) Activity / workshop location • Cape Town, South Africa Number of participants (including the specific number from the DAC list country/countries) • Unknown (broadcast online) Types of stakeholders engaged • potential research funders • the media • other |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Community outreach (School visit) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 1. Description • The FSNet-Africa research fellows based at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology organized an outreach program in secondary schools to mark World Food Day 2021. • The program aimed to educate Ghanaian students about food security and ways to prevent food losses and waste, as well as raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals. • The students were trained to serve as food security ambassadors in their communities. 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries • Presenters and participants - DAC List - Ghana 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged • Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Academic) • School in Ejisu Municipal (Ashanti Region) Activity/workshop location • Second cycle institution in Ejisu Municipal (Ashanti Region) Number of participants • DAC list - more than 100 school children in Ghana and two FSNet-Africa fellows from Ghana Types of stakeholders engaged • General public - Schools |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://universityofpretoria.glasscubes.com/cube/documents/177212/2724148?47 |
| Description | Engagement on FSNet-Africa website |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 1. Description • FSNet-Africa has 38 pieces posted on its website (27 blogs/vlogs and 11 opinion pieces) up to February 2023, with 17 745 page views since launching in August 2021. These pieces also include 8 news articles and 36 videos showcasing FSNet-Africa events. 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries Most users of the website are from Africa (3,397) and Asia (241) - most of which are on the DAC list. There are also users from Europe 968 and North Americas (non-DAC list) 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged • General public Activity/workshop location • Online (website) Number of participants • FSNet-Africa website has 17 745 page views up to February 2023 • The website has 5034 unique users up to February 2023 Types of stakeholders engaged • General public |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | FSNet- Africa Research symposium: Addressing food systems challenges |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 1. Description The symposium was held at the University of Pretoria (UP)'s Future Africa Institute. • The FSNet-Africa fellows presented proposals focused on various food-systems-related topics, including food waste, climate-smart agriculture, food safety, indigenous crops, artificial intelligence, and gender equality. • Fellows received feedback on their research proposal presentations and were able to refine their project proposals • Enquiries were received regarding the fellowship after the symposium 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries DAC List: •Ghana •Kenya •Malawi •South Africa •Tanzania •Zambia Non-DAC list: UK, France, Italy 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged • Government from the participating countries (policy makers) • National planning commissions (policy makers, Malawi) • Researchers (academia) • Media • New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) (intergovernmental) • South Africa's National Research Foundation (NRF) (science council) • Bayer (private sector) • Grain South Africa (private sector) Activity/workshop location • University of Pretoria Future Africa Institute Number of participants • A total of 92 participants attend the research symposium in person and another 22 joined virtually 68 of the in-person participants were from DAC countries Types of stakeholders engaged • Professional practitioners • Government • Private sector |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://fsnetafrica.com/editorial/addressing-food-systems-challenges-is-at-the-heart-of-sustainabili... |
| Description | FSNet-Africa hosted a breakout session at World Food Prize |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 1. Description The FSNet-Africa team participated in the 2022 Borlaug Dialogue alongside the World Food Prize where they led a breakaway session (that an estimated 200 in-person participants joined) titled: Research and partnerships for a sustainable African food system. • The session framed the African food system in the context of a fragile global system but presented an action-based approach to addressing fragility in a developing context followed by a panel discussion. • The session further proposed a modality for achieving multidimensional food systems outcomes through an integrated research and capacity development approach and demonstrated how partnerships that span geographic, disciplinary and sectoral boundaries can be leveraged as a mechanism for impact. • Prof Frans Swanepoel (Principal Investigator at FSNet-Africa) and Dr Elizabeth Mkandawire (FSNet-Africa Network and Research Manager) discussed the role that the FSNet-Africa framework plays in transforming food systems in Africa 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries • Presenters - DAC list - South Africa, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania; Non-DAC list - UK Audience: specifics unknown, but the high profile event attracts a diverse international audience 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged Presenters: • University of Pretoria and the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), University of Leeds (UK). University of Ghana (Ghana), LUANAR (Malawi), University of Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) Audience: Unknown Activity/workshop location • Des Moines, Iowa, United States of America Number of participants • Estimated 200 in person participants, session was also screened online but access to details of views not available. Types of stakeholders engaged • Academia |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://fsnetafrica.com/event/fsnet-africa-2022-borlaug-dialogue-the-world-food-prize/ |
| Description | How to put women at the centre of Africa's food systems: Publication in The Conversation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Description • The article focuses on the role of women in the food system and brought attention to policy actions that need to be taken ensure their equitable participation in and benefit from the food system. • Two FSNet-Africa researchers were authors List of relevant participating countries Authors • DAC list o South Africa Readership DAC list o South Africa Non-DAC list o United States o Australia o United Kingdom Other - analytics on webpage does not provide details on which other countries Names of organisations and sectors • Authors - South Africa - Academia • Readership - Sector and organisation of readers unknown Location of activity workshop • Online Number of participants • Authors - 2 • Readership as of 17 March 2022 - 2206 readers Types of stakeholders engaged • Unknown Results • None known |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://theconversation.com/how-to-put-women-at-the-centre-of-africas-food-systems-165972 |
| Description | In Conversation With FSNet Africa series on Twitter Spaces |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 1. Description Eight In Conversation With FSNet-Africa live podcasts have been held by FSNet-Africa addressing various subjects through conversation with team members, research fellows and the public on Twitter Spaces. •Title: "We cannot be if there is no biological diversity". FSNet-Africa fellow and biodiversity researcher Dr Tiwonge Mzumara-Gawa from the Malawi University of Science and Technology shared her thoughts on this critical issue. •Title: Small Actions to Save the Planet.Celebrating Biodiversity Day on 20 May 2022. Dr Tiwonge Mzumara Gawa, an FSNet-Africa fellow and researcher from Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), was interviewed on the Twitter Spaces platform. She shared her thoughts on critical issues around biodiversity. •Title: Transforming food systems through artificial Intelligence (AI). FSNet-Africa fellow and AI researcher Dr Kadeghe Fue from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) shared his thoughts on the use of AI in transforming food systems. •Title: How can we bring together food waste and small ruminants to transform African food systems? FSNet-Africa fellow and animal nutritionist researcher, Dr Antoinette Anim-Jnr, from Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), shared her thoughts on how food waste and small ruminants can be brought together to transform African food systems. •Title: Waste not want not - In pursuit of #ZeroWaste.Dr Anim-Jnr, who is a researcher and lecturer from the Department of Animal Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, is focusing on "Valorising fruit by-products for sustainable small ruminant production in Ghana" for her FSNet-Africa research project. This project explores the use of by-products from the fruit-processing industry as an alternative animal feed source. This not only aims to help make ruminant livestock production practices more eco-friendly and sustainable but also aligns with global efforts to identify innovative ways to dispose of (and utilise) food waste. •Title: The use of Moringa as an alternative natural additive for poultry growth. Dr Nobuhle Sharon Lungu, from the University of Pretoria, shared her thoughts on the use of Moringa as an alternative, safe additive for poultry growth. •Title: UP-led Project Inspires African Girls to Engage in Science. To celebrate International Day for Women and Girls in Science, female researchers from the FSNet-Africa network inspired young girls to pursue careers in science. 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries • Participants: International events were hosted online and location unknown. • Presenters: DAC Countries - South Africa, Malawi, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia; Non-DAC countries - UK 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged • University of Pretoria (Academic) • Malawi University of Science and Technology (Academic) • University of Leeds (Academic) • Sokoine University of Agriculture (Academic) • Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Academic) • University of Zambia (Academic) Activity/workshop location • Online Number of participants • In Conversation 1 - 45 participants, In Conversation 2 - 139 participants, In Conversation 3 - 1132 participants, In Conversation 4 - 123 participants, In Conversation 5 - 768 participants, In Conversation 6 - 163 participants, In Conversation 7 - 163 participants, Conversation 8 - 324 tuned in Types of stakeholders engaged •General public • Researchers • Professional practitioners |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://fsnetafrica.com/our-resources/?_resources_type=blog |
| Description | Interview with Dr E. Mkandawire on BBC Focus |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | FSNet team member Dr. Elizabeth Mkandawire was interviewed on BBC Focus on Africa regarding gender policies and food security. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | NewzRoom Africa television interview |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Description • Interview with Dr Elizabeth Mkandawire (FSNet-Africa research and project manager) on NewzRoom Africa for International Women's Day - FSNet-Africa's work to empower female researchers working in the African food system was highlighted. List of relevant participating countries • DAC list o South Africa Names of organisations and sectors • Interviewee - South Africa - Academia • Viewership - Unknown Location of activity workshop • National television Number of participants • Interviewee - 1 • Viewership - Unknown Types of stakeholders engaged • Unknown Results • None known |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mQfIkWNauY&t=23s |
| Description | Presentation at AFRICAP closeout event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | 1. Description Showcase of FSNet-Africa at AFRICAP Resource Mobilisation Workshop to engage with policymakers/politicians • 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries DAC List - •South Africa •Tanzania •Zambia •Malawi Non-DAC list - UK, 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged Research funders •UK Research and Innovation Intergovernmental organisations • The Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Governmental organisations •Met Office (UK) • National Agricultural Marketing Council (South Africa) Academic organisations • University of Leeds • University of South Africa , University of Pretoria (South Africa) •University of Aberdeen Civil society organisations •The Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) Policy • Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) Activity/workshop location • Online (webinar) Number of participants • 51-100 (distribution of DAC to non-DAC country participants not known) Types of stakeholders engaged • Policy makers and politicians • Researchers |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://fsnetafrica.com/video/african-food-systems-for-impact-the-fsnet-africa-model-webinar/ |
| Description | Reducing food waste - News24 article |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Description • Article published on World Food Day 2021 highlighting the challenges around food waste in Africa, and how FSNet-Africa research is contributing to solving food waste challenges. List of relevant participating countries Authors • DAC list o South Africa Readership • DAC list o South Africa Names of organisations and sectors • Authors - South Africa - Academia • Readership - Unknown Location of activity workshop • Online Number of participants • Authors - 1 • |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.news24.com/news24/columnists/guestcolumn/opinion-eness-paidamoyo-mutsvangwa-sammie-from-... |
| Description | Social media accounts and engagement of FSNet-Africa |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 1. Description • Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn pages FSNet-Africa are frequently visited and engaged with. There are a total of 354 posts on Facebook, 307 posts on Twitter and 33 posts on LinkedIn recorded up to February 2023. • FSNet-Africa's Twitter account has a following of 997, LinkedIn a following of 722 and Facebook a following of 350 up to February 2023. 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries • Contributors: DAC countries - South Africa • Audience: International (online) 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged • General public Activity/workshop location • Online (website and social media pages) Number of participants • FSNet-Africa Twitter has a following of 997 • FSNet-Africa LinkedIn has a following of 722 • FSNet-Africa Facebook has a following of 350 Types of stakeholders engaged • General public |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | UN Food Systems Dialogue Science Days |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Description • This session focussed on drawing upon global foresight models and scenario exercises to look ahead to the world in 2030 - what will it take to achieve the SDGs especially SGD2 and how much will it cost; what do different scenarios offer under differing conditions/ assumption; what are the key trade-offs and synergies to look out for; what are the key opportunities to tap. • Dr Elizabeth Mkandawire (FSNet-Africa research and project manager) was invited to make a presentation in the session. List of relevant participating countries Presenter • DAC list o South Africa Participants - countries unknown Names of organisations and sectors • Presenter - South Africa - Academia • Participants - Unknown Location of activity workshop • Online Number of participants • Presenter - 1 • Participants - Unknown Types of stakeholders engaged • Unknown Results • None known |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/5601/icode |
| Description | World Food Day 2020 - Blog series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Description • FSNet-Africa led a 16-day virtual campaign leading up to World Food Day 2020. The campaign consisted of vlogs, opinion pieces in the popular media and a webinar on World Food Day. • Each of the three lead partner institutions was responsible for posting media content that had been prepared by researchers from their institution and broader networks. • A total of 16 pieces were prepared. Twelve blogs, twelve vlogs and four opinion pieces were prepared by authors from eight institutions linked to FSNet-Africa and the broader network. • The blogs, vlogs and opinion pieces addressed diverse topics related to the African food system. Topics included Africa's progress in achieving zero hunger, water policies, balanced diets during the COVID-19 pandemic, climate-smart agriculture, child nutrition and the role of higher education in transforming African agriculture. • The articles were published on different platforms including partner institution websites, the Conversation Africa, the UN Chronicle and three South African media outlets (see for example https://www.news24.com/news24/Columnists/GuestColumn/opinion-world-food-day-child-nutrition-is-everyones-responsibility-20201015). • All the blogs and vlogs are now available on the FSNet-Africa website List of relevant participating countries Developing content for the campaign • DAC list o South Africa Malawi o Nigeria • Non-DAC list o UK o USA Countries reached through content not known Names of organisations and sectors Developing content for the campaign • Academia o Michigan State University o University of Leeds o University of Pretoria o University of the Western Cape • Intergovernmental o Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) • Media o Malawi Nation o MIJ FM • Policy related (not governmental) o FANRPAN Location of activity workshop • Online Number of participants • Across the Twitter accounts of the three partners leading the campaign there were 4 629 interactions with the tweets and 56607 impressions (i.e., persons/entities who saw the tweets on their timelines) • Across the websites of the three partners leading the campaign there were 712 unique page views of the content • On the FANRPAN LinkedIn account there were seven posts that attracted 1514 views • On the FANRPAN Facebook account there were seven posts that received 1159 views Types of stakeholders engaged • To develop content: Researchers, policy analysts, journalists • Engaging with content: Unknown Results • Based on their contribution, one of the researchers was invited for an interview on Channel Africa radio. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://fsnetafrica.com/our-resources/?_resources_type=video&_resources_year=2020 |
| Description | World Food Day Webinar 2020 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Description • The webinar was intended as a soft launch of the FSNet-Africa project. Prior to the keynote address, the FSNet-Africa PI provided introductory remarks, alongside Prof. Ernest Aryeetey who provided remarks on behalf of ARUA. A keynote address was presented by Prof. Tim Benton on the policy priorities for African food systems emerging from the Glopan Foresight 2.0 Report. A facilitated conversation - on the topic of partnership to achieve the SDGs - between the Vice Chancellors of the Universities of Pretoria and Leeds followed the keynote. List of relevant participating countries • DAC list o Benin o China o Ghana o Kenya o Lesotho o Malawi o Malaysia o Nigeria o Senegal o South Africa o Swaziland o Tanzania o Thailand o Zambia o Zimbabwe • Non-DAC list o Australia o Belgium o Canada o France o Great Britain o Italy o United States Names of organisations and sectors • Academia o African Academy of Sciences o African Research Universities Alliance o Chulalongkorn University o Harry Butler Institute o Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology o Kwara State University o Laikipia University o Malawi University of Science and Technology o N8 Research Partnership o National University of Lesotho o Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Bénin o Universiti Kuala Lumpur MICET o University for Development Studies o University of Ghana o University of Leeds o University of Leeds o University of Manitoba o University of Pretoria o University of South Africa o University of the Western Cape o University of Zambia o University of Nairobi • Civil society o CISANET • Government o Agency for Health and Food Security o BBSRC o Department of Agriculture o National Agricultural Marketing Council, South Africa o UKRI o Zambia meteorological department • Industry/Business o Analysis Inc o Cargill o Corteva Agriscience o Makapa Agribusiness & Forestry o MTN • Inter-governmental o UNICEF • Media o MIJ FM Radio • Policy focused (not governmental) o Chatham House o Economic and Social Research Foundation o Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) o Kenya Institute 0f Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) o Nordic Africa Institute • Research (not universities) o Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) • Unknown Location of activity workshop • Online Number of participants • 168 participants • 89 participants from DAC countries Types of stakeholders engaged • Researchers, policy makers, policy analysts, private sector stakeholders, the media, civil society Results • The webinar created a great deal of interest in the FSNet-Africa fellowship, with several follow-up queries on the fellowship received after the webinar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://fsnetafrica.com/video/fsnet-africa-world-food-day-webinar/ |
| Description | World Food Day panel discussion seminar/ webinar facilitated by FSNet Africa |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | 1. Description In celebration of World Food Day 2022, a panel discussion seminar/ webinar was facilitated by FSNet-Africa at the Future Campus of the University of Pretoria with a reach of 71 participants. • The discussion was followed by a call for papers for a Special Edition of Sustainability regarding agroecological transitions in middle-and low-income countries. • The panel discussions sparked debate about past and future pathways towards agroecological transitions in Africa. After the discussion people reached out to connect with FSNet-Africa on various platforms including Twitter and LinkedIn. 2. A clear list of the relevant participant countries • Panellists: DAC list - South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Kenya, Mali, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe Non-DAC list - UK, USA 3. The names of organisations and sectors engaged Presenters - Academic: • University of Pretoria (South Africa) • African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) (Ghana) • University of the Western Cape (South Africa) • Cornell's International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development (United States) • University of Ghana (Ghana) • Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana) • University of Zambia (Zambia) Research funder • Agricultural Research Council, South Africa Policy/intergovernmental • FANRPAN Participants - from 20 academic institutions, 2 funding organizations, two media houses, one government department, six non-governmental agencies, 5 research institutes. Activity/workshop location • Online (webinar) Number of participants • 71 participants 58 participants from DAC countries, 13 participants from non-DAC countries Types of stakeholders engaged • Academic • Funder • Governmental • Media • Non Governmental • Policy • Postgraduate students • Research Funder • Research Institute |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://fsnetafrica.com/news/collaboration-is-key-to-enabling-food-security-in-africa/ |