What would African countries do without people’s mass food markets? Known as people’s markets or territorial markets in some African countries, Mass food markets have remained unsung heroes in African countries for several reasons. Besides ensuring diverse and affordable food for the majority of rural and urban consumers, these markets represent a unique expression of Read more about What would African countries do without people’s mass food markets?[…]

The unknown side of food processing and value addition in African countries There is no shortage of abandoned small to medium scale food processing plants in many African countries. After getting into a community and seeing abundant tomatoes, mangoes, pine apples and many other types of fruits, some development agencies and government departments have been Read more about The unknown side of food processing and value addition in African countries[…]

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[…]

 How COVID19 has redefined knowledge and the value of intangible resources The African continent is famous for abundant natural resources such as minerals and fertile land suitable for producing diverse food commodities. But more important than natural resources and equal to knowledge are intangible resources such as community engagement and relationships. However, it has taken Read more about How COVID19 has redefined knowledge and the value of intangible resources[…]

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[…]