Embracing equity and dismantling power imbalances in African food systems Besides focusing on climate change, development organizations, private sector players and governments are increasingly being compelled to embrace equity, inclusion, decolonization of knowledge and dismantling of power imbalances. This new narrative is beginning to shape new development pathways including African food systems and upholding indigenous Read more about Embracing equity and dismantling power imbalances in African food systems[…]

Desperate for knowledge and action that will take them to the promised land – case of young Africans Poor economic performance over the past few years has seen tensions between the old and young generations in Africa rising to boiling point. This has been worsened by the fact that most African governments have continued to Read more about Desperate for knowledge and action that will take them to the promised land – case of young Africans[…]

Whose role is it to convert natural resources into decent employment? The past few years have seen many African countries increasing emphasis on entrepreneurship development through formal education systems like universities. This has triggered a huge expectation for young people like university graduates to create their own employment using natural resources such as land, water Read more about Whose role is it to convert natural resources into decent employment?[…]

Poor coordination makes it difficult to see where African food systems are going Even when sufficient funding is made available, African countries may fail to feed themselves and produce excess food for exporting in a consistent manner.  A major reason for this predicament is disorganized and uncoordinated food systems.  In most cases, markets have no Read more about Poor coordination makes it difficult to see where African food systems are going[…]

Pathways for repurposing resources are long overdue in developing countries Private property laws that many African countries adopted from colonialism have had both positive and negative aspects. One positive is that privatization of property has encouraged investors to make long-term investments in infrastructure and other developments that create reliable employment. On the negative side, once Read more about Pathways for repurposing resources are long overdue in developing countries[…]

African mass food markets as foundations for new business identities If western business archetypes such as sole trader, private company, partnership, joint ventures, cooperatives and others were sustainable, most African economies would be vibrant. The reality on the ground suggests most of these types of businesses are inapplicable to the African context as shown by Read more about African mass food markets as foundations for new business identities[…]

Mechanizing value chain nodes could make a difference in African food systems The seasonal nature of African food systems implies there are times when particular food commodities are out of season and other times when so much some food is abundant that preservation or semi-processing would increase shelf life by several months. While absence of Read more about Mechanizing value chain nodes could make a difference in African food systems[…]

Where does agriculture begin and end? Natural Ecosystems have Rights too! That food systems are more than agriculture is no longer debatable. However, what is worrying in most countries that depend on agriculture is the extent to which biodiversity and natural ecosystems are being destroyed in favor of agriculture. Conversely, the past few years have Read more about Where does agriculture begin and end? Natural Ecosystems have Rights too![…]

Income streams have different flavors – Wisdom from African food markets Every income stream associated with African food commodities has unique socio-economic flavors, according to farmers and traders who have been participating in African mass food markets for many years. Farmers and elders with different sources of income tend to have diverse tastes and fulfilment Read more about Income streams have different flavors – Wisdom from African food markets[…]